Social and family support, emotional dysregulation and depression: Associations and pathways

Abstract

Objective Emotional dysregulation, family and social support are associated with depression. The present study aims to explore, by path analysis, relationships between these variables. Method The path analysis method was applied, and, additionally, comparisons of the means were made between participants with and without a diagnosis of depression and suicide attempts. The sample consisted of 712 Brazilians (M = 23.8; SD = 8.13), 66.7% of whom were women. Results The results show a correlation between both types of support for emotional dysregulation and depression. Emotional dysregulation was found to be an associated variable in depression. Positive correlations were observed between emotional dysregulation and depression. Both were negatively correlated with family and social support. Conclusion People with a diagnosis and previous suicide attempts had higher averages in emotional dysregulation and depression, and lower averages in family and social support.