Interpersonal Mediating Mechanism Underlying Insecure Attachment and Depression in People with Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Insecure attachment style has been conceptualized as one of the vulnerability factors of depression. However, it is unclear how insecure attachment style leads to an increased risk of depression. This study explored currently and previously depressed individuals displaying increased attachment insecurity and dysfunctional interpersonal behaviors as compared with healthy controls. In addition, a possible mediating pathway connecting insecure attachment and depressive symptoms was examined. The link between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms was found to be mediated via excessive reassurance seeking (ERS). Furthermore, this mediating pathway was significant in the MDD group, but not in the RMD or NC groups. Our findings indicate that the mediating mechanism of ERS linking anxious attachment insecurity and depressive symptoms may be a depressive mood specific vulnerability.