Relationship between Adult Attachment, Cognitive Reappraisal, Social Connectedness and Depressive Symptoms among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

The link between adult attachment and depression in the elderly is well-entrenched in the literature. However, little emphasis is on the mediating and moderating pathways underlying 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 community-dwelling older parents. A correlational study was conducted in the vicinity of Rawalpindi. A total sample of 245 older parents in the age range of 60 and above was collected through purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire-based interviews were carried out by using the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-RS), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Findings indicated that cognitive reappraisal fully mediated the relation between attachment avoidance and depressive symptomology (B = .114, CI = .088, .174), whereas it partially mediated the relation between attachment anxiety and depressive symptomology (B =.169, CI =.092, .252). Moreover, social connectedness significantly moderated the relation between attachment avoidance and depressive symptomology (B= -.021, 95% C.I.= -.039, -.004), and between attachment anxiety and depressive symptomology [B=-.038, C.I.= -.063, -.014)]. This study illustrated the importance of considering adult attachment in predicting depressive symptoms in older parents. Findings showed that cognitive reappraisal and social connectedness could serve as protective factors in alleviating depressive symptoms. Clinicians and counselors may utilize cognitive reappraisal and social linkages in intervention programs to minimize depression symptomology amongst older parents in community settings.