Conditional Process Modeling of the Relationship Among Self-Reliance, Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms, and the Moderating Effect of Feeling Understood

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2022 Jan 1;210(1):32-36. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001407.

Abstract

Self-reliance features as one of the notable male norms espoused by traditional masculine socialization. Strict adherence to a self-reliant attitude has been found to confer risk for depression and suicidality among men. Yet, little research has investigated the factors that may contribute to self-reliance having a negative impact for men. Using data from a large sample of Canadian men (N = 530), the present study examined the association between self-reliance and depression, while also assessing the roles of loneliness and not feeling understood as contributing factors in this process. Findings indicated that the moderated mediation model was significant, pointing to loneliness as a significant mediator in the association between self-reliance and depression. Furthermore, the findings revealed that not feeling understood moderated the relationship between self-reliance and loneliness, indicating that this association applies mainly to those men who do not feel understood by at least one important person in their life.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Loneliness / psychology*
  • Male
  • Men*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Report
  • Suicidal Ideation