Psychological Development and Education ›› 2022, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (6): 879-885.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2022.06.14

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The Relation between Attachment Anxiety and Depression among College Students: The Sequential Mediation Effects of Relational Aggression and Relationship Quality in Dating Relationships

WANG Hao1, YU Guoliang2   

  1. 1. Education and Counseling Center for Mental Health, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081;
    2. Institute of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872
  • Published:2022-11-29

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Abstract: Relational aggression in romantic relationship refers to behaviors intended to hurt or harm one’s romantic partner through the damage or manipulation of relationships. The relation between attachment anxiety and depression as well as the sequential mediation effects of relational aggression and relationship quality were explored among 628 college students who were in dating relationships. The results showed that: (1) attachment anxiety could positively predict depression; (2) relational aggression and relationship quality could separately mediate the relationship between attachment anxiety and depression; (3) relational aggression and relationship quality acted as sequential mediators between attachment anxiety and depression. The results confirmed the “self-fulfillment prophecy” of attachment anxious individuals in romantic relationships, and could provide practical guidance for mental health education of college students.

Key words: depression, attachment anxiety, relational aggression, relationship quality, college students

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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