An unclear self leads to poor mental health: Self-concept confusion mediates the association of loneliness with depression

Authors

Stephanie B. Richman, Westminster College, New Wilmington
Richard S. Pond, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Nathan Dewall, University of Kentucky
Madoka Kumashiro, University of London
Laura B. Luchies, Calvin University

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Past research has established that loneliness is associated with both self-concept confusion and depression. The present work ties these disparate lines of research together by demonstrating that self-concept confusion mediates the relationship between loneliness and depression. Three studies, one cross-sectional and two longitudinal, supported this hypothesis. Moreover, the model was supported both in samples of dating and married couples and in samples of noncouples. This research contributes to a greater understanding of why people who feel socially disconnected have poor mental health. Understanding this mechanism has important implications for strategies targeting the early prevention of depression and improving mental health outcomes.

First Page

525

Last Page

550

DOI

10.1521/jscp.2016.35.7.525

Publication Date

9-1-2016

Recommended Citation

Richman, Stephanie B.; Pond, Richard S.; Dewall, Nathan; Kumashiro, Madoka; and Luchies, Laura B., "An unclear self leads to poor mental health: Self-concept confusion mediates the association of loneliness with depression" (2016). University Faculty Publications and Creative Works. 255.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/calvin_facultypubs/255