RELATION BETWEEN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR A DEPRESSIVE EPISODE AND SELF-EFFICACY: A STUDY USING A NEW RESEARCH DOMAIN CRITERIA (RDOCS) INSPIRED EVALUATION BATTERY

Abstract

Background: Depression is a common disabling disease. Self-efficacy has been identified as a key factor in the prognosis of depression, as it influences how affected individuals cope and manage depressive symptoms.

Subjects and methods: This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of personal self-efficacy by using a framework inspired by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). A total of 41 adult inpatients meeting DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder were assessed on a comprehensive battery of measures spanning emotional, cognitive, and social domains.

Results: Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that trait emotional intelligence and particularly its well-being and self-control subscales, was the most robust predictor of self-efficacy. Satisfaction with social support emerged as a secondary contributor.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of targeting emotional intelligence and social support in therapeutic interventions for depression, suggesting that fostering adaptive emotion regulation and enhancing perceived support may bolster patients' confidence in their ability to manage depressive challenges.

Keywords: RdoC; emotion regulation; emotional intelligence; major depressive disorder; self-efficacy; social support.