Investigating the role of psychological resources in the relationship between cognitive processes and psychological wellbeing

Abstract

Cognitive deficits have been shown to be responsible for the onset and maintenance of depression, while psychological resources are known to enhance psychological wellbeing. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of depression by integrating both perspectives. Partial support was found for the hypothesis that participants with higher levels of negative attentional bias tended to engage in more brooding rumination, which in turn predicted more depressive symptoms. On the other hand, partial support was found for the hypothesis that participants with higher levels of cautiousness or vitality tended to engage in less negative attentional bias and brooding rumination, which in turn predicted less depressive symptoms. Implications for clinical practice and research were discussed in detail.