The relationship between self-focused attention through rumination and reflection and depression in university students: Examining the mediating effects of two dimensions of self-esteem

Abstract

This study aims to investigate an integrative model that explores how two types of self-focused attention—rumination on negative aspects of the self and reflection involving deeper exploration of the self—affect depression among adolescents, mediated by two dimensions of self-esteem. Specifically, the study examines how contingent self-worth, which depends on external standards, and a sense of authenticity, which reflects a feeling of being true to oneself, mediate these relationships. A total of 183 Japanese university students participated in the survey. Self-focused attention was assessed using measures of rumination and reflection; self-esteem was evaluated through scales of authenticity and contingency of self-worth; and depression was measured with the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Structural equation modeling demonstrated a direct positive association between rumination and depressive symptoms, as well as an indirect negative association between reflection and depressive symptoms, with authenticity functioning as a mediating variable. These findings suggest that higher levels of reflection characterized by authenticity and lower levels of rumination may tend to be associated with reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents.