Negative urgency and interpersonal conflict: The mediating role of depressive symptoms

Abstract

The present study explored the relationships between negative urgency, interpersonal conflict, and depressive symptoms. While associations of negative urgency with psychopathology are well-established, the relationship between negative urgency and other aspects of functioning, such as conflict with parents and peers, are less certain. Since distressing emotions are what ignite action in individuals high in negative urgency, depressive symptoms may play a key role in the relationship between negative urgency and conflict. Youth (N=293; Mage=11.70 years) reported on their level of negative urgency, conflict with peers and parents, and depressive symptoms. Results of multiple regression models suggested that individuals who reported higher levels of negative urgency also reported more conflict with peers, mothers, and fathers. Depressive symptoms significantly mediated this association for each type of conflict. These findings support the importance of negative urgency in understanding interpersonal conflict in youth.