(PS1-84) Beyond the Blues: Unraveling Cognitive and Affective Reactivity in Major versus Persistent Depressive Disorder, Through the Lens of Personality Traits

Abstract Text: A lengthy and active debate exists on whether episodic and persistent forms of depression are a part of the same or separate phenomena (e.g., Klein et al., 2006; Parker & Malhi, 2019). This debate was further complicated with the recent addition of persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Although numerous studies have investigated personality traits associated with episodic and persistent depression, separately (Quilty et al., 2008; Erkens, 2018), very few to date have directly investigated these phenomena together (e.g., Torres et al., 2016). Cognitive reactivity (changes in thought processes in response to a stressor) and affective reactivity (changes in mood in response to a stressor) have both been linked to depressive relapse in major depressive disorder (e.g., Fresco et al., 2007; Rijsbergen et al., 2013) and are key components of neuroticism, one of the most widely studied domains of personality. To date, no studies have investigated the roles of affective and cognitive reactivity, in addition to personality traits, to differentiate episodic and persistent depression. The current study aims to differentiate the symptoms of episodic and persistent depression using cognitive and mood reactivity as well as relevant personality traits (e.g., neuroticism). It is expected that the relationship between mood reactivity and episodic depression will be stronger in those with high neuroticism and conscientiousness, and low in extraversion. Additionally, it is expected those with persistent depression symptoms will experience increased cognitive reactivity compared to mood reactivity, relative to those with episodic depression. Data collection for this study is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and will be completed by June 2025. Adults aged 18+ (N = 200), fluent in English, without a psychotic, bipolar, or substance use disorder, will be recruited globally via online platforms (Prolific, Reddit, Mturk, Facebook) and complete an online Qualtrics survey during which a sad-mood induction will serve as the paradigm to assess reactivity. Mood (visual analogue scale of negative moods) and cognition (questionnaire assessing domains such as hopelessness and acceptance coping) will be measured both pre- and post-mood induction and reactivity quantified as the difference between these assessments. Proposed analyses include using moderation with bootstrapping according to recommendations from Preacher and Hayes (2008). Understanding the mechanisms underlying episodic and chronic depression may improve the efficacy of existing treatment interventions which often target maladaptive cognitive and/or affective responding.