Does addictive distraction affect the relationship between the cognition of distraction effectiveness and depression?

Abstract

Using distraction coping strategies effectively is one very important way to reduce the level of depression. It is suggested that a belief or expectancy about the effectiveness of mood regulation may be one of the preconditions for distraction to be effective. However, a strong belief in the effectiveness of mood regulation may not be useful in moderating depression, if the person uses distraction in a maladaptive way. The present study investigates the relation between the cognition of distraction effectiveness and depression by focusing on "addictive distraction." A questionnaire measuring the cognition of distraction effectiveness, depression, and addictive distraction in the stressful context of an examination was completed by 336 college students. The results, analyzed with multiple regression analysis, were as follows : (1) The cognition of distraction effectiveness did not always moderate depression. (2) In those individuals with a high level of addictive distraction, a belief in the effectiveness of distraction did not reduce the level of depression. (3) The cognition of distraction effectiveness had different effects on depression, depending on the level of addictive distraction.