Depression and goal disengagement: the mediating role of goal attainability perceptions

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
William Jordan Sasiela (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Kari Eddington

Abstract: Research has found that individuals with depression have a tendency to pull away from their goals prematurely (i.e., disengagement). However, the nature of this relationship is unclear, and there is limited research on the mechanisms linking these constructs. This study examined the mediating role of changing perceptions of goal attainability in explaining the relationship between depression and premature disengagement. Additionally, the influential role of goal importance and goal failures were explored and differential measures of disengagement were examined. Results did not suggest sufficient evidence to conclude that changes in goal attainability perceptions mediate the relationship between depression and premature behavioral disengagement. However, attainability changes negatively predicted subsequent disengagement, discrete attainability predicted subsequent effort and depression predicted initial perceptions of attainability. Moderation models were not supported. This seems to suggest that cognitive factors, such as attainability perceptions, are to some degree relevant in explaining disengagement in the context of depression, which may be helpful in building upon clinically relevant work. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
Appraisal, Attainability, Depression, Disengagement, Goal
Subjects
Depression, Mental
Goal (Psychology)

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