Dispositional connectedness and depressive symptoms among help-seeking outpatients: the mediating role of self-concealment

Individual differences associated with depression are important for informing clinical practices. Relatively little is known about whether dispositional connectedness-the tendency to value relationships and consider others' needs-is linked with depressive symptoms. Thus, the present study examined the association between dispositional connectedness and depressive symptoms, including whether self-concealment would mediate this relationship, among 116 mental health outpatients. Bootstrap 99% confidence intervals indicated a significant indirect effect of dispositional connectedness on depressive symptoms, through self-concealment as a mediator. The findings suggest that concerns about maintaining interpersonal bonds may reduce disclosure of vulnerabilities, in turn contributing to depressive symptoms severity. (C) 2020 Asociacion Universitaria de Zaragoza para el Progreso de la Psiquiatria y la Salud Mental. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.