Journal of

Depression is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders, shaped by the complex interplay of cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors. Recent empirical evidence suggests that negative attentional bias and deficits in emotional working memory are key cognitive–emotional constructs contributing to the maintenance and exacerbation of depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of emotional working memory in the relationship between attentional bias and depressive symptoms within the context of family interactions.

This research employed a descriptive–correlational design with a causal–mediational approach. The statistical population consisted of adults engaged in active family relationships in Tehran, among whom 350 participants were selected using a stratified convenience sampling method. The instruments included the Depression Attentional Bias Questionnaire, the Emotional Working Memory Scale, and the Family Interaction Quality Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and path analysis.

The results indicated a significant positive relationship between attentional bias and depressive symptoms within family interactions, with emotional working memory playing a significant mediating role in this association. These findings suggest that impairments in emotional working memory may serve as a cognitive mechanism underlying the impact of attentional bias on depressive symptoms. Overall, understanding this mediating pathway can contribute to refining theoretical models of depression and developing preventive and therapeutic interventions focused on enhancing cognitive and emotional functioning at both individual and family levels.