Effects of Body Image on Adolescents’ Depression: Dual Mediating Effects of Maladaptive Self-Focused Attention and Rejection Sensitivity

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the dual mediating effects of maladaptive self-focused attention and rejection sensitivity on the relationship between adolescents’ body image and depression. Methods The participants were 475 middle and high school students in Gyeonggi-do. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS 21.0 and SPSS macro for the separate and dual mediating effects. Results The major finding of the study were as follows: (1) maladaptive self-focused attention and rejection sensitivity had partial mediation effects on the relationship between adolescents’ body image and depression, respectively, and (2) maladaptive self-focused attention and rejection sensitivity had partial dual mediation effects on the relationship between adolescents’ body image and depression. Conclusion Results indicate to provide basis for specific interventions for adolescents with depression and body image problems by looking at the dual mediating effects of maladaptive self-focused attention and rejection sensitivity based on the relationship between adolescents’ body image and depression. Keywords: body image, depression, maladaptive self-focused attention, rejection sensitivity, adolescent