Approach and avoidance: understanding men's depression and life satisfaction via explicit motives and pathological narcissism

Background: Previous research has highlighted motivational factors as being important in depression. The current study sought to examine the role of explicit motives and pathological narcissism in men’s experiences of depression symptoms. The study examined a two-factor Approach-Avoidance model where we hypothesized approach-oriented motives and avoidance-oriented motives to predict variability in depression through two separate pathways. Pathological narcissism was conceptualized as a form of avoidance motives. Methods: Participants were self-identified men seeking information about depression (N = 3769) who completed online self-report measures of depressive symptoms, pathological narcissism and explicit motives. Results: We found that approach-oriented motives predicted fewer depressive symptoms, while avoidance-oriented motives predicted more depressive symptoms through a separate pathway. Structured equation modeling provided support for the hypothesized model over alternative models. Pathological narcissism, and narcissistic vulnerability in particular, may be associated with avoidance motives. Conclusions: These findings help provide further insight into men’s experiences of depression and inform treatment considerations.