Mediating effect of emotional processing on the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotional states

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the interrelationship between dysfunctional attitude, emotional processing difficulties, and negative emotional states using a cross-sectional design. Data were gathered from 140 participants (n = 140) completing a self-reported questionnaire including measures of dysfunctional attitude scale form A (DAS-A), emotional processing scale (EPS-25), and the depression anxiety stress scales (DASS). Multiple mediation results indicated that the association between dysfunctional attitude and negative emotional states, including stress, anxiety and depression, could be explained by different domains of emotional processing. In stress emotion state, having signs of unprocessed and unregulated emotion acted as the mediators. As for anxiety state, having impoverished emotional experience mediated the relationship between dysfunctional attitude and negative emotion. In terms of depression, suppression and having unregulated emotion mediated the association. To conclude, apart from the dysfunctional thoughts, the styles in which individual process their emotions were influential in regulating their emotional distress. These findings could serve as pointers for therapy, and treatment program focusing on appropriate emotional processes could be developed to facilitate the regulation of distressing emotional experiences.