Coping strategies as mediator variables between explanatory styles and depressive symptoms

Abstract

Título: Estrategias de afrontamiento como variables mediadoras entre estilos explicativos y sintomas depresivos. Resumen: El principal objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las relaciones existentes entre el estilo explicativo, las estrategias de afrontamiento y los síntomas depresivos. El path analysis llevado a cabo con 234 personas mostró que el estilo explicativo negativo (la tendencia a explicar los resultados negativos a través de causas internas, estables y globales) tenía tanto un vínculo directo positivo con los síntomas depresivos como un efecto indirecto a través de las estrategias de afrontamiento evitativo. Además, el estilo explicativo ensalzante (la tendencia a explicar los resultados positivos a través de causas internas, estables y globales) tenía relaciones directas e indirectas de tipo negativo con los síntomas depresivos, solo que en este caso el efecto indirecto se producía a través de las estrategias de resolución de problemas y reestructuración cognitiva positiva y el no uso de estrategias de afrontamiento evitativo. En general, los resultados sugieren que para prevenir la aparición de síntomas depresivos, o para disminuirlos en el caso de que ya existan, se debería promover el estilo explicativo ensalzante y las estrategias de afrontamiento como resolución de problemas y reestructuración cognitiva positiva. Palabras clave: Estilo explicativo negativo; estilo explicativo ensalzante; síntomas depresivos; resolución de problemas; reestructuración cognitiva positiva; estilo de afrontamiento evitativo. Abstract:The main goal of this study was to analyze the relationships among explanatory styles, coping strategies and depressive symptoms. Path analyses conducted with data of 234 individuals showed that Negative Explanatory Style (tendency to explain negative outcomes through internal, stable, and global causes) had both a positive direct effect on depressive symptoms, and an indirect effect on them through the use of avoidant strategies. On the contrary, Enhancing Explanatory Style (tendency to explain positive outcomes through internal, stable, and global causes) had negative direct and indirect effects on these symptoms, but in this case, the indirect effect occurs through the use of problem solving and positive cognitive restructuring coping and the non-use of avoidant strategies. As a whole, the results suggest that to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms or to reduce them once they appear, enhancing explanatory style and problem solving and positive cognitive restructuring strategies should be promoted.

Multiple Mediation of Loneliness and Negative Emotions in the Relationship between Adolescents’ Social Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms

“…Depression manifests itself through negative affects, behavioral problems, maladjustment (Lau, Chan & Lau, 1999), and dysfunctional coping styles (Sanjuan & Magallares, 2015). According to Kashdan (2004), depressive symptoms are associated with negative subjective experiences and lack of positive subjective experiences.…”

Between Avoidance and Problem Solving: Resilience, Self‐Efficacy, and Social Support Seeking

“…A variety of coping strategies have been studied, ranging from humor to positive thinking. Among these coping strategies, problem solving and avoidance have been frequently studied (Hatzigeorgiadis, ; Sanjuan & Magallares, ). Problem solving has been considered a positive contributor to mental health (Law & Guo, ), whereas avoidance has been regarded as a negative one (Eskin, Akyol, Çelik, & Gültekin, ).…”

The Relationship between Belief in a Just World and Symptoms of Psychological Disorders in Burn Patients: The Intermediate Role of Coping Strategies

“…Research results also showed that BJW has a negative significant effect on psychological disorder symptoms via problem-focused coping. The intermediate role of the problemfocused coping was also confirmed in reduced psychological disorder symptoms (Sanjuan & Magallares, 2015;Ra & Trusty, 2015;Fitzsimon & Bardone-cone, 2010;Haghshenas et al, 2014). As stated earlier, BJW enhances the power of problem solving and problem-focused coping when faced with difficult situations, by increasing order, harmony and controllability.…”

“…The greatest focus of research in this field involves the identification of effective coping strategies as a mediating variable in the stressdisease relationship (Somerfield & Mccrae, 2000). In this regard, the mediating effect of problem-, emotion-and avoidance-focused coping strategies has been confirmed in numerous studies (Sanjuan & Magallares, 2015;Ra & Trusty, 2015;Haghshenas, Nouri, Moradi & Sarami, 2014;Jafari, Omidimajd & Esfandiari, 2013;Fitzsimmons & Bardone-cone, 2010). Haffer and Olson (1998) showed in a research that people's BJW allows them to use effective coping strategies that can act as a protective shield to cope with stressful incidents and circumstances in their lives.…”