Reciprocal pathways between emotion regulation self-efficacy and depression among adolescents: The mediating role of emotion (dys)regulation

Reciprocal pathways between emotion regulation self-efficacy (ERSE) and depressive symptoms via emotion (dys)regulation were examined across three timepoints (W1-W3) between 2022 and 2024 in 348 adolescents (M(SD)age = 15.05(1.51), 47.8% boys; 34.48% White, 19.83% multiracial or other, 5.46% Latine, 5.34% Asian, 4.60% African American). Negative reciprocal indirect effects were found between W1 and W3 ERSE and depressive symptoms via W2 involuntary dysregulation (βs = -0.03). An indirect effect linked W1 depressive symptoms to W3 ERSE via W2 disengagement (β = 0.01). Reciprocal direct associations emerged between ERSE and disengagement (β = 0.13, β = 0.09) and ERSE and proactive engagement (βs = 0.16). Results suggest low ERSE and depression exist within a negative, mutually reinforcing cycle and that promoting ERSE may increase emotion regulation skills and adolescent well-being.