The Role of Family Communication Dimensions in Adolescent’s Depression with the Mediation of Cognitive Flexibility

Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to predict depression on the basis of family communication dimensions with the mediation of cognitive flexibility.
Methods: In this correlational study, 390 students (201 girls and 189 boys) constructed the sample group. They were from Shiraz high schools in 1394-95 school years and were randomly selected using multi-stage cluster sampling style. To measure the research variables, Fitzpatrick and Ritchie's family communication (RFCP), Dennis and VanderWal's cognitive flexibility (CFI) and Beck depression-second edition (BDI-II) inventories were used. Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis by SPSS (22) and AMOS (20) were used to analyze research hypotheses.
Results: The results of path analysis indicated that the conversation orientation has direct negative effect (p=0.005) and an indirect effect through the mediation of cognitive flexibility (p=0.001) on depression. Also conformity orientation had only direct and positive effect (p=0.001) on depression.
Conclusion: In overall, the results of this study showed that cognitive flexibility plays mediating role in the relationship between conversation orientation and depression.

Keyword: family communication dimensions, cognitive flexibility, depression.