Social anxiety as a potential mediator of the association between attachment and depression

Abstract

Objective: The study represents a conceptual replication of the study by Eng et al. (2001) in a sample of adult patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder as primary diagnosis.

Methods: Two different attachment questionnaires (Bielefeld Questionnaire of Client Expectations (BQCE) and Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-RD)) were applied to examine whether the effect of attachment on depression (measured by the BDI) is mediated by social anxiety (measured by the LSAS) in a cross-sectional study.

Results: The data confirms such a mediation. The effect of attachment measured with the BQCE on depression was completely mediated, whereas the effect of both scales of the ECR-RD (attachment related avoidance and anxiety) on depression was only partially mediated by social anxiety disorder.

Conclusion: The study supports the association of attachment, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms and the need to consider different perspectives on attachment.

Keywords: Adult attachment; Attachment; Bielefeld Questionnaire of Client Expectations; Depression; Experiences in Close Relationships; Mediation; Social anxiety.