Depression, impulsivity and health-related disability: A moderated mediation analysis

The goal of the current study is to examine how impulsivity affects the relationship between depression and health-related disability. Specifically, we examined impulsivity as a possible moderator of this relationship, as well as alcohol use, smoking, and binge eating as possible mediators. The study utilized the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Surveys (N = 20,013, mean age = 43.38, female = 57.3%). We conducted a series of moderated mediation analyses to test hypotheses. In all analyses, the relationship between depression and health-related disability was mediated by each maladaptive coping behavior, and the relationship between depression and the behavior was moderated by impulsivity. The study supports the utility of examining the individual difference mechanisms that might drive the relationship between depression and health-related disability.

► We examined how impulsivity and maladaptive behaviors affect health disability.
► We utilized the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiological Surveys (N = 20,013).
► We conducted a series of moderated mediation analyses to test study hypotheses.
► The relationship between depression and disability was mediated by the behaviors.
► The relationship between depression and the behavior was moderated by impulsivity.