Refining the association between excessive reassurance seeking and depressive symptoms: The role of related interpersonal constructs

Two studies examined the validity of Joiner and colleagues' (Joiner, Alfano, & Metalsky, 1992) measure of excessive reassurance seeking. These studies specifically examined whether the association between excessive reassurance seeking and depressive symptoms was better accounted for by conceptually related interpersonal variables also known to be associated with depression (e.g., sociotropy, attachment insecurity). Results from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in college student samples generally supported the validity of excessive reassurance seeking and its association with depressive symptoms. The implications of these findings for the role of excessive reassurance seeking in depressive vulnerability are discussed.