Association between Commitment, Positive and Negative Affects, and Depression in Romantic Relationships

This study examined whether the association between approach-avoidance commitment and depression was mediated by affects toward romantic partner. Path analysis revealed that approach commitment was positively associated with positive affect, in turn positive affect was negatively associated with depression. Although approach commitment was also negatively associated with negative affect, this association was weaker than association between approach commitment and positive affect. Avoidance commitment was positively associated with negative affect, in turn negative affect was positively associated with depression. Although avoidance commitment was negatively associated with positively affect, this association was weak. Furthermore, direct effect of approach-avoidance commitment on depression was not significant. Theses result suggested that positive and negative affects toward romantic partner mediate association between approach-avoidance commitment and depression.