Negative mood regulation expectancies, coping, and depression in adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect

This study investigated levels of depression and negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE), an individual's belief that she or he can alleviate negative moods, in adults endorsing a history of childhood maltreatment. I also examined NMRE as a mediator of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression. The participants were 202 people who endorsed a history of maltreatment. Compared to the general population, participants reported more severe childhood maltreatment and more depression; however, they reported NMRE levels within the normal range. Correlational analysis showed higher levels of depression were associated with higher levels of abuse; higher levels of NMRE were correlated with lower levels of depression, and higher levels of NMRE were associated with lower levels of abuse. Emotional abuse was more strongly negatively correlated with NMRE than other types of abuse. Regression analyses showed that, in addition to NMRE, emotional and sexual abuse were significant independent predictors of depression. Overall results supported that individuals who experience more abuse will report more symptoms of depression and have less confidence that they can regulate their negative emotions. The relationship between abuse and depression was partially mediated by NMRE, with an especially strong relationship between NMRE and emotional abuse. Early identification of victims of emotional abuse and interventions targeted at increasing self concept may help children and adolescents to develop mood regulation skills that can prevent depression in adults.