The Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Depression: Study in College Students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies in depressive symptoms in college population. 228 students participated in the study (ages ranged from 18 to 35 years old). Students completed the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. The results showed that higher levels of depression are predicted by greater use of Rumination, Catastrophization and Acceptance and a lesser use of the Positive reappraisal. The direction of Acceptance strategy was contrary to expectations, and the meaning of this strategy in terms of resignation is discussed. Besides Acceptance, the results are in line with previous research. This findings are a contribution to the study of emotion regulation in college students, and its role in wellbeing and in depression particularly.