Inner strengths as buffers against the impact of insecure attachment on depressive symptoms in working women
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Depressive symptoms are often associated with insecure attachment. In China, working mothers are particularly vulnerable due to the intersecting pressures of work and familial responsibilities. Emerging evidence suggests that inner strength-including resilience, emotional regulation, and positive coping-may buffer the impact of insecure attachment on depressive symptoms in this population. Objective: The primary objective was to determine whether inner strengths moderate the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among Chinese working mothers. A secondary objective was to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in this population, measured with the OI-Depression subscale (Outcome Inventory-21). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 330 Chinese working mothers aged 30-45 years. Participants completed validated measures: the Outcome Inventory for Depression, Experiences in Close Relationships, and the Inner Strength-Based Inventory. Moderation analysis was performed using the PROCESS macro, Model 1, to investigate whether inner strengths modified the relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms. Results: < 0.001): higher levels of inner strengths were associated with a weaker positive relationship between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms. This study also found the prevalence was 38.2% for depressive symptoms in this group based on the screening tools. Conclusion: Inner strengths significantly moderated the link between insecure attachment and depressive symptoms among Chinese working mothers. These findings highlight the protective potential of enhancing inner strengths in mental health interventions for this population. Further longitudinal research is recommended to confirm these effects and explore strategies to foster inner resilience.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Institutions: Chiang Mai University, University of New England
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4416934334