Self-Reported Attention Control Skills Moderate the Effect of Self-Focused Attention on Depression

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether attention control skills (selective, switching, and divided attention) moderate the influence of self-preoccupation (the tendency to maintain self-focused attention) on depression. We conducted a cross-sectional survey at a Japanese university. A total of 283 undergraduate and graduate students answered Preoccupation Scale (measuring self-preoccupation), Voluntary Attention Control Scale (measuring self-reported attention control skills), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (the standardized measurement of depression), and we analyzed 267 questionnaires (101 men and 166 women). No cut-off points were set for screening individuals depression score. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis were as follows: Higher skills of switching attention were associated with higher depression scores when combined with greater self-preoccupation tendencies. In contrast, higher levels of divided attention skill were associated with lower depression levels when combined with greater self-preoccupation. This study is the first to provide an overview of the protective role of divided attention skill against depression among individuals with high self-preoccupation. We conclude this article by showing that the interventions aiming to increase the divided attention skill rather than switching skill are expected to be effective in decreasing depressive symptoms and discussing the study’s limitations.