Depression in institutionalized adolescents: The role of memories of warmth and safeness, shame and self-criticism

• Sara Santos ^[1] ; Maria do Céu Salvador ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidade de Coimbra

     Universidade de Coimbra

     Coimbra (Sé Nova), Portugal

     
• Localización: The Spanish Journal of Psychology, ISSN 1138-7416, Nº 24, 2021
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Institutionalization is a current problem, related to several indicators of psychological maladjustment. In the same way, there are several studies that point to the role of shame and self-criticism in the development of psychopathology.

    Therefore, our study explored, in institutionalized adolescents, whether early memories of warmth and safeness (EMWS) were associated to depression through external shame and self-criticism. The sample included 171 institutionalized adolescents (60.2% girls;Mage = 15.56; SD = 1.49). Depression, EMWS, external shame and self-criticism were assessed.

    TheEMWSdidn’t show a direct effect on depression, exerting its effect indirectly through external shame and self-criticism.

    The relationship between EMWS and self-criticism was fully mediated by external shame, and the relationship between external shame and depression was fully mediated by self-criticism. In conclusion, the way the individual sees and relates to the self seems to impact on psychological adjustment and in the development of psychopathology. The fact that external shame and self-criticism fully mediated the relationship between EMWS and depression emphasizes the relevance of preventive and therapeutic approaches that aim to promote a healthier way of relating to the self.