Transdiagnostic Variables and Depression in a Sample of Ecuadorian Women

Abstract

Introduction: Depression represents one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and affects women more frequently. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between perceived stress, psychological inflexibility, and loneliness across different levels of depression in Ecuadorian women. Method: A non-experimental design was employed with a sample of 1,050 women selected through non-probability, convenience sampling. The following psychological instruments were administered: the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and the Shortened UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3). Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied for data analysis. Results: Transdiagnostic variables showed significant associations with depression. Furthermore, large effect sizes were obtained for each of the transdiagnostic variables on depression, with psychological inflexibility exhibiting the largest effect size, followed by perceived stress and loneliness. Conclusions: The findings support the conceptualization of depression psychopathology from a transdiagnostic approach, which could contribute to the design of more effective promotion and prevention programs focused on addressing transdiagnostic processes.