Social Support and Cognitive Flexibility Linked to Resilience to Depression
Poster Number
12
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Sarah Reiland
Abstract
This study examined the relationships among cognitive factors, perceived social support (PSS), and depression symptoms in 251 undergraduate students. Previous research in this population has shown that cognitive inflexibility and negative world beliefs are associated with greater depression symptoms. We examined the additional influence of PSS on both cognitions and depression. Regression analyses revealed that cognitive variables were more strongly related to depression than PSS was. Additionally, cognitive variables partially mediated the relationship between PSS and depression symptoms. Preliminary data from a pilot sample of 15 older adults with cognitive impairments suggest that social support may be particularly helpful for increasing resilience in older adults. This study demonstrates that social support might have an important effect on both cognitions and depression.
Course Assignment
Independent Research in Psychology
Recognized with an Award?
Winner, Psi Chi Regional Research Award, SEPA Annual Meeting, April 2016
Previously Presented/Performed?
SAEOPP McNair/SSS Scholars Research Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2015 Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2016
Start Date
22-4-2016 12:00 PM
End Date
22-4-2016 2:00 PM
Social Support and Cognitive Flexibility Linked to Resilience to Depression
Rutledge
This study examined the relationships among cognitive factors, perceived social support (PSS), and depression symptoms in 251 undergraduate students. Previous research in this population has shown that cognitive inflexibility and negative world beliefs are associated with greater depression symptoms. We examined the additional influence of PSS on both cognitions and depression. Regression analyses revealed that cognitive variables were more strongly related to depression than PSS was. Additionally, cognitive variables partially mediated the relationship between PSS and depression symptoms. Preliminary data from a pilot sample of 15 older adults with cognitive impairments suggest that social support may be particularly helpful for increasing resilience in older adults. This study demonstrates that social support might have an important effect on both cognitions and depression.
