The mediating roles of interpersonal sensitivity and rumination in the relationship between self-esteem and depression: a longitudinal study on Chinese psychiatric patients

This study examined the relationship between self-esteem, interpersonal sensitivity, rumination, and depression in psychiatric patients. Participants included 159 adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Age: M = 31.69, SD = 11.54; 70.4% Female). The study measured depression, self-esteem and interpersonal sensitivity at T1 and rumination and depression at T2 after 10 to 14 days. The study found that after controlling for depression at T1, age, gender, and measurement time interval, low self-esteem at T1 could impact depression at T2 through the mediation of reflection at T2, as well as through the chain mediation of interpersonal sensitivity at T1 and rumination at T2. The results indicated that for patients of MDD or GAD with low self-esteem, we could pay attention to intervening with rumination and interpersonal sensitivity, such as applying rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy.