Defense mechanisms and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in bereaved individuals: A network analysis

This study explored the network relationships between defense mechanisms and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of 327 Italian bereaved adults (M = 46.92, SD = 14.66). The 30-item Defense Mechanism Rating Scales Self-Report (DMRS-SR-30) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were administered. The network revealed a dense structure comprising 39 significant edges. High adaptive defenses emerged as the most central and influential node, showing strong negative associations with depression and anxiety symptoms. Minor image-distorting defenses were negatively associated with depression but positively related to anxiety. Stability analyses indicated acceptable overall reliability. However, some edges showed lower stability and should be interpreted with caution. These findings underscore the pivotal role of high adaptive defenses in emotional regulation following bereavement and suggest differential contributions of defense levels to psychological symptoms. Future research is needed to further investigate these associations.