Abstract
The link between adult attachment and depression in elderly populations is well-entrenched in scholarly literature. However, there is a limited understanding of the mediating and moderating pathways underpinning this relation. This study investigated the mediating effect of cognitive reappraisal and moderating effect of social connectedness in the association between adult attachment and depressive symptomology among Pakistani community-dwelling older parents. A population-based correlational study was conducted in the vicinity of Rawalpindi. The study employed a multistage cluster sampling approach to gather data from a total sample of 400 community-dwelling parents who were either 60 years old. Questionnaire-based interviews were carried out by using the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Findings indicated that cognitive reappraisal significantly mediated the relation between adult attachment and depressive symptomology. Moreover, when social connectedness moderated the relationship, only the indirect effect of attachment avoidance – not attachment anxiety – had a significant impact on depressive symptoms via cognitive appraisal. This study illustrated the importance of considering adult attachment in predicting depressive symptoms in older parents. Additionally, findings showed that cognitive reappraisal and social connectedness could serve as protective factors in alleviating depressive symptoms. Psychogeriatric practitioners may embed attachment orientations through cognitive reappraisal and social linkages in intervention programs to minimize depression symptomology amongst older parents in community settings.
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Data and materials for the present study have not been made publicly available due to privacy concerns. Data analyzed in the current study are available on request from the corresponding author via email at dr.sumara@s3h.nust.edu.pk.
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Ul Hassan, S.M., Jilani, S. & Zubair, M. Adult attachment and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older parents: a moderated mediation model of cognitive reappraisal and social connectedness. Curr Psychol 43, 8713–8726 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05011-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05011-3