Abstract
Aim
This study investigates whether facets of rumination statistically mediate the relationships between Big Five personality traits and depressive symptoms.
Method
Self-reported personality traits and rumination were investigated as predictors of depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional sample of 3,043 participants aged 18-60 years (68.8% female). Multiple regression analysis investigated which personality traits and rumination facets best explained variance in depressive symptoms. Structural equation modelling was used to determine whether facts of rumination mediated the relationships between personality traits and depressive symptoms.
Results
Multiple regression analysis found that variance in depressive symptoms was best explained by the personality traits neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness; and both facets of rumination, brooding and reflection. Structural equation modelling added that the effects of neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness and openness on depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by brooding; the effects of neuroticism, extroversion and openness to depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by reflection.
Conclusions
Rumination facets statistically mediate the effects of various personality traits on depressive symptoms. These results provide insights into which individuals may be best suited to treatments for depression targeting rumination.
This study investigates whether facets of rumination statistically mediate the relationships between Big Five personality traits and depressive symptoms.
Method
Self-reported personality traits and rumination were investigated as predictors of depressive symptoms in a cross-sectional sample of 3,043 participants aged 18-60 years (68.8% female). Multiple regression analysis investigated which personality traits and rumination facets best explained variance in depressive symptoms. Structural equation modelling was used to determine whether facts of rumination mediated the relationships between personality traits and depressive symptoms.
Results
Multiple regression analysis found that variance in depressive symptoms was best explained by the personality traits neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness; and both facets of rumination, brooding and reflection. Structural equation modelling added that the effects of neuroticism, extroversion, conscientiousness and openness on depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by brooding; the effects of neuroticism, extroversion and openness to depressive symptoms were statistically mediated by reflection.
Conclusions
Rumination facets statistically mediate the effects of various personality traits on depressive symptoms. These results provide insights into which individuals may be best suited to treatments for depression targeting rumination.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Psychology |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 25 Nov 2020 |