The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation in BIS/BAS Sensitivities, Depression, and Anxiety Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in China

BACKGROUND: The behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS), which primarily underlie emotions and behaviors, are associated with depression and anxiety. However, the reasons behind these associations require further exploration. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the mediating effects of cognitive emotion regulation between BIS/BAS and depression/anxiety among community-dwelling elderly Chinese. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 836 elderly individuals. Structural equation modeling was used to determine relationships among BIS/BAS, cognitive emotion regulation, and depression/anxiety. RESULTS: Participants reporting higher BIS sensitivity were more likely to use maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, which were in turn associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. BAS sensitivity was more likely to lead to adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies, which resulted in lower levels of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that incorporating emotional regulation in interventions targeting BIS/BAS sensitivities may enhance the accuracy and efficiency of these treatments for depression and anxiety.