Self-Report Versus Informant Responses: Exploring the Relationship between Excessive Reassurance Seeking and Depression

Abstract

Introduction: This study expanded on prior research exploring the relationship between excessive reassurance seeking (ERS) and depression by conducting a longitudinal study evaluating two reporting sources (participants and informants). The current research was also the first to examine a sequential mediation model, with interpersonal competence as an antecedent in this relationship. Method: One hundred and ten participants completed measures at two time-points separated by five weeks. Corresponding informants completed comparable measures at participants' Time 2. Results: Results revealed differences based on reporting source, with more significant correlations found among participant- as compared to informant-reported variables. Moreover, findings supported interpersonal competence as an antecedent to the ERS-depression relationship. Finally, this research highlighted the role of brooding, in addition to ERS, in the development of depressive symptoms. Discussion: This study offers support for further consideration of methodology on outcomes, underlines the role of interpersonal competence as a precursor to depression, and encourages clinicians to target both brooding and ERS behavior in the treatment and prevention of depression.