Social anxiety as a potential mediator of the association between attachment and depression

- Social anxiety mediates the effect of attachment on depression.
- The study successfully conceptually replicated the study by Eng et al. (2001).
- Attachment was assessed by the BQCE and ECR-RD.

ObjectiveThe study represents a conceptual replication of the study by Eng et al. (2001) in a sample of adult patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder as primary diagnosis.MethodsTwo different attachment questionnaires (Bielefeld Questionnaire of Client Expectations (BQCE) and Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-RD)) were applied to examine whether the effect of attachment on depression (measured by the BDI) is mediated by social anxiety (measured by the LSAS) in a cross-sectional study.ResultsThe data confirms such a mediation. The effect of attachment measured with the BQCE on depression was completely mediated, whereas the effect of both scales of the ECR-RD (attachment related avoidance and anxiety) on depression was only partially mediated by social anxiety disorder.ConclusionThe study supports the association of attachment, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms and the need to consider different perspectives on attachment.