Dr. Lukas Kirchner

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Dr. Lukas Kirchner

Postdoctoral Researcher

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

University of Marburg

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How social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms bi-directionally predict each other - A cross-lagged panel analysis.

Journal article

L. Kirchner, S. E. Schummer, Henning Krug, T. Kube, W. Rief
Psychology and psychotherapy, 2022
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APA   Click to copy
Kirchner, L., Schummer, S. E., Krug, H., Kube, T., & Rief, W. (2022). How social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms bi-directionally predict each other - A cross-lagged panel analysis. Psychology and Psychotherapy.

Chicago/Turabian   Click to copy
Kirchner, L., S. E. Schummer, Henning Krug, T. Kube, and W. Rief. “How Social Rejection Expectations and Depressive Symptoms Bi-Directionally Predict Each Other - A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis.” Psychology and psychotherapy (2022).

MLA   Click to copy
Kirchner, L., et al. “How Social Rejection Expectations and Depressive Symptoms Bi-Directionally Predict Each Other - A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis.” Psychology and Psychotherapy, 2022.

BibTeX   Click to copy 

@article{l2022a,
  title = {How social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms bi-directionally predict each other - A cross-lagged panel analysis.},
  year = {2022},
  journal = {Psychology and psychotherapy},
  author = {Kirchner, L. and Schummer, S. E. and Krug, Henning and Kube, T. and Rief, W.}
}

Abstract

BACKGROUND Although research suggests that social rejection expectations play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms, it is not clear whether such expectations are a risk factor for depression or rather a consequence thereof. The present study addressed this issue by investigating the time-lagged bi-directional effects of social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms.

METHODS In an online survey, participants (N = 347) completed measures of social rejection expectations, depressive symptoms, interpersonal competencies, and perceived social support at baseline and 2 months later. The relationships between the variables were examined using path models and cross-lagged path analyses.

RESULTS Cross-lagged path analyses provided evidence for a substantial positive effect of social rejection expectations at baseline on depressive symptoms at follow-up in addition to the reverse effect. A mediator analysis indicated that neither interpersonal competencies nor perceived social support mediated these bi-directional effects.

CONCLUSION The current results demonstrate that social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms bi-directionally predict each other. Thus, social rejection expectations appears to be both a risk factor for - and a symptom of - depression. In order to prevent a vicious circle of social rejection expectations and depressive symptoms, we recommend the early detection and treatment of social rejection expectations. Moreover, social rejection expectations should be specifically addressed in cognitive-behavioural treatment of depression.

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