Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 M. A. in Clinical Psychology of Child & Adolescent, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Psychology, University of Isfahan. Isfahan. Iran.
2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Psychology, University of Isfahan. Isfahan. Iran.
Abstract
Introduction
Depressive disorder is a widespread mental health issue that significantly impacts individuals’ interpersonal relationships, occupational performance, and overall personal functioning. The American Psychological Association (2022) highlights the pervasive nature of this condition, emphasizing its detrimental effects on various aspects of life. Numerous factors contribute to the etiology of depressive disorders, including biological, environmental, and psychological components. Among these, the role of personality styles has gained increasing attention in recent research (Kalamatianos & Canellopoulos, 2022). Understanding how personality traits influence susceptibility to depression can provide valuable insights for both prevention and treatment strategies.
Blatt’s developmental theory posits that individuals exhibit different personality styles, specifically dependent and self-critical styles, which may predispose them to distinct subtypes of depression (Blatt, 2004). This theory suggests that those with a dependent personality style may be more prone to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, while individuals with a self-critical style may experience heightened self-blame and guilt. To assess these personality styles, Reconstructed Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (Rec-DEQ) was developed (Blatt, D’Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976). This tool aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how personality traits correlate with depressive symptoms.
Despite the significance of the Rec-DEQ, its psychometric properties have not been thoroughly explored within the Iranian context. The cultural nuances and specific characteristics of the Iranian population necessitate a localized validation of this instrument. By investigating the psychometric properties of the Rec-DEQ in Iran, this study aims to enhance the understanding of how personality styles contribute to the onset and maintenance of depression in a culturally diverse setting.
Method
This research employed a cross-sectional design as a psychometric investigation. A convenience sample of 435 Iranian adults, aged between 18 and 60 years, was recruited for the study. Participants were administered the Persian version of the Reconstructed Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (Rec-DEQ), alongside the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Adult Attachment Scale (RASS), through an online platform. The choice of these instruments was made to ensure a comprehensive assessment of depressive symptoms and their relationship with personality styles and attachment patterns.
Data analysis involved both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, along with correlation and regression analyses, utilizing SPSS-22 and AMOS-24 software. The exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying structure of the Rec-DEQ, while confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the proposed model. This multi-faceted approach ensured a robust examination of the questionnaire’s psychometric properties.
Results
The findings revealed that the Reconstructed Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (Rec-DEQ) exhibited satisfactory internal consistency, construct validity, and convergent validity. The exploratory factor analysis indicated that a four-factor structure provided a better fit for the data compared to the traditional two-factor model. This four-factor model encompassed dimensions of dependency, self-blame, efficacy, and fear of loss. Further refinement through confirmatory factor analysis improved the model fit by removing item 14, which did not align well with the identified factors. The overall Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was 0.85, indicating strong internal consistency, with individual factor alphas ranging from 0.70 to 0.80.
Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between the total score of the Rec-DEQ and the Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.64), as well as the Adult Attachment Scale (r = 0.20), thereby supporting its convergent validity. These results suggest that the Rec-DEQ is a reliable measure for assessing personality styles associated with depressive symptoms.
Discussion
This study explored the psychometric properties and factor structure of the revised Experiences of Depression scale within an Iranian sample. The results indicated that a four-factor model, encompassing dependency, self-blame, efficacy, and fear of loss, provided a more accurate representation of the data compared to the traditional two-factor model. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency and convergent validity, highlighting its reliability as a measurement tool.
Cultural adaptations and the specific characteristics of the Iranian sample may have influenced the differences observed in factor structure compared to prior studies. Overall, the revised scale offers a dependable and culturally relevant instrument for assessing personality styles related to depression among Iranian individuals. This research not only contributes to the understanding of depressive disorders but also provides essential insights for clinicians and researchers working in the field of mental health.
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