Depression is a complex mental health condition that impacts various aspects of an individual’s life. This study aimed to explore the relationships between mood reactivity, cognitive reactivity, loneliness, and symptoms of depression. Participants (n = 521) completed self-reported questionnaires assessing attributional style, depression symptoms, and loneliness. They were then exposed to a mood induction procedure that involved a transient and mild increase in symptoms of depression. Mood reactivity was operationalized via change in symptoms of depression resulting from the mood induction. Cognitive reactivity was assessed via change in attributional style resulting from the same mood induction. The study found that depressed mood and pessimistic thoughts increased significantly after mood induction. Loneliness, depression symptoms, and pessimism were positively correlated, cross-sectionally, with loneliness showing a strong association with depression. Counter to hypotheses, mood reactivity was not significantly associated with cognitive reactivity. Despite limitations, these findings provide valuable insights for clinicians. Understanding the separate roles of mood and cognitive reactivity can enhance depression assessment and intervention strategies.

Authors:
Mei Asakawa, Adelphi University, United States
Michael Moore, Adelphi University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Mei Asakawa’s research and clinical interests involve suicide, parasuicide, and loneliness. Her previous studies involve how loneliness impacts on symptoms of depression and cognitive reactivity.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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