Mediatory role of anger rumination in the relationship between anger and depression among depressive patients

Introduction: Anger is an emotion whose relationship with depression has been demonstrated in many studies. In addition, the literature emphasizes on the role of anger rumination in depression. The aim of the current study was to explore the mediating role of anger rumination in the relationship between anger and major depressive disorder in patients with external locus of control.Method: In a descriptive study, 117 patients with major depressive disorder (82 males, 35 females) were selected through purposive sampling. Participants completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Multidimensional Anger Inventory (MAI), Anger Rumination Scale (ARS), and Rotter΄s Locus of Control Scale (I-E). The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling.Results: The Results showed that there is positive and significant relationship between anger, depression and anger rumination. The Structural Equation Model revealed that anger rumination played a mediatory role in the relationship between anger and major depressive disorder in patients with external locus of control.Conclusions: Findings of the present study suggest that the relationship between anger and depression can be explained more accurately and comprehensively through the mediatory role of anger rumination. The obtained results also indicate the complicated nature of depression, and emphasize the understanding and conceptualization of various influencing variables in depression.