Effect of loneliness on depression: multiple mediating effects of cognitive emotion regulation strategies
ZENG Shaoqi1, XU Yiwei2, SUI Shanjie1, HUANG Jiaxin1, LIN Jing1, ZHANG Yongsheng1
1. Minnan University of Science and Technology, Quanzhou 362700, Fujian Province, China; 2. Fugong Middle School in Longhai District, Zhangzhou 363100, Fujian Province, China
Abstract：Objective To explore the relationship between depression and loneliness, and reveal the mediating effects of cognitive emotion regulation strategies between them. Methods A total of 250 university students were testedby using the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale（CES-D）, the loneliness scale, and the cognitive emotionregulation questionnaire, Chinese version（CERQ-C）. The relevant data were analyzed statistically. Results Lonelinesswas significantly positively correlated with depression（r=0.700, P<0.01）. Except for the dimension of rational analysis, other dimensions of cognitive emotion regulation strategies were significantly correlated with loneliness and depression（P<0.01）. Through regression analysis of structural equation models and Bootstrap method testing, it was found that loneliness positively predicted depression, with a direct effect of 0.55. Positive reassessment and catastrophizing played multiple mediating effects, with a total indirect effect of 0.15. Conclusion Loneliness in university students can positively predict depression, and cognitive emotion regulation strategies play a multiple mediating role between depression and loneliness. Effective intervention for depression in university students can be achieved by reducing loneliness and optimizing the selection of cognitive emotion regulation strategies.
