An exploration of moderator effect of negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE) in the association of looming cognitive style (LCS) with trait anxiety

Abstract

Negative Mood Regulation Expectancies (NMRE) refer to the beliefs that one has concerning his/her ability to control and regulate a negative mood state. NMRE play an important role in development of psychological disorders since it is known to buffer the negative impact of various risk factors for emotional distress. The present study aims to test the interaction of NMRE with Looming Cognitive Style (LCS), a cognitive vulnerability factor specific for anxiety disorders and the role this interaction plays in subjectively felt anxiety. Data were collected from 326 university students (251 female) through self-report questionnaires assessing LCS, NMRE, anxiety and depression. The results showed that both LCS and NMRE are significantly associated with anxiety scores while controlling for the overlap between anxiety and depression. Moreover, NMRE was found to be significantly able to moderate the association between LCS and anxiety. That is; tendency to generate looming cognitions appeared to be linked to higher anxiety when the individuals have low levels of confidence in their capacities for mood regulation and coping.