Stoking Depression in Insecurely Attached Individuals: The Role of Rumination and Perceived Social Support

Abstract

Despite a substantial amount of research on depression, depressive symptoms are increasing globally. To gain insights into individuals’ vulnerability to develop depression, this study investigated attachment and smaller factors of variation, such as rumination and perceived social support. This might allow for more effective prevention and intervention efforts. A sample of 120 participants (Mage = 23.24, SD = 3.43, range = 19-42, 63.3% female) was obtained by means of a cross-sectional online survey. In line with the hypotheses, each rumination and perceived social support mediated the relationship between attachment domains and depressive symptoms. The mediation including rumination was stronger for individuals high in attachment anxiety, while the mediation including perceived social support was stronger for individuals high in attachment avoidance. Contrary to expectations, results indicated no sequential mediation for individuals high in attachment anxiety, but a weak sequential mediation for individuals high in attachment avoidance. Therefore, findings demonstrated distinct differences between attachment domains, presenting implications for future research and possibly informing more targeted intervention efforts.