Interpersonal ambivalence in depression: a psychodynamic perspective on the role of prosocial attitudes and latent aggression

This study aimed at examining the role of interpersonal ambivalence in the pathogenesis of depression within the framework of psychodynamic theory, focusing on the roles of latent aggression and heightened sense of responsibility in depression. A total of 479 participants were recruited from the general population. Depression severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and interpersonal ambivalence (latent aggression, responsibility, distrust) was measured with the Responsibility and Interpersonal Behaviors and Attitudes Questionnaire (RIBAQ-R). Data were analyzed using a general linear model repeated measures analysis to examine group differences on the RIBAQ subscales. Structural equation modeling was used to explore potential mediation effects of responsibility and latent aggression on depression. Latent aggression, responsibility, and distrust were significantly elevated in individuals with depression. To provide insight into possible causal mechanisms, we adopted mediation analyses. Latent aggression emerged as a mediator in the relationship between inflated responsibility and depression severity. These findings suggest that interpersonal ambivalence, particularly conflict between prosocial responsibility and antisocial latent aggression, contributes to depression, providing empirical evidence for psychodynamic theories.