UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION THROUGH THE CULTURAL SELF: COPING AND EMOTION REGULATION IN ADULTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

 This study investigated the relationships between self-construal, coping strategies, and emotion regulation among patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Using a correlational design and purposive sampling, data were collected from N=250 participants (aged 18–60 years) from various hospitals in Lahore. Standardized instruments included the Self-Construal Scale, Brief COPE, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory were utilized. Findings indicated that interdependent self-construal was more prominent among MDD patients. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations between both independent and interdependent self-construal and approach-oriented coping strategies. However, emotion regulation showed a non-significant relationship with both self-construal and coping. These results underscore the necessity of moving beyond Western centric psychological models in Pakistan. The prevalence of interdependent self-construal suggests that therapeutic interventions should focus toward family systems and collectivist-oriented frameworks rather than strictly individualistic approaches. Furthermore, the non-significant role of emotion regulation highlights a critical "skill gap" in the local clinical population, suggesting that indigenous mental health programs should prioritize culturally adapted cognitive reappraisal techniques. These findings encourage the development of indigenous psychometric tools that better capture the nuances of emotional expression and social obligation within the Pakistani cultural landscape.