Temperament moderates the association between chronotype and depressive symptoms: a regulative theory of temperament approach

Several studies show that eveningness and depressive symptoms are positively related. However, little is known about potential factors that may weaken or amplify the negative emotional consequences of the eveningness. In the present study, using a conceptual framework of the Regulative Theory of Temperament, we explored the moderating role of temperamental traits in the association between chronotype and depressive symptoms. We hypothesized that higher endurance and briskness, as well as lower emotional reactivity, may significantly reduce depressive symptoms. The study was conducted on a group of 929 individuals aged 18–35 years. Significant interaction effects showed that the magnitude of the association between eveningness and depressive symptoms might decrease with high briskness and low emotional reactivity. The results provide further evidence for the regulative role of temperament in the area of affective functioning, showing that briskness and emotional reactivity can be viewed as protective or risk factors against the elevated depressive symptoms of evening chronotypes. It may, therefore, be important to consider both chronotype and temperament in the prevention and diagnosis of depression.