The role of family communication dimensions in adolescents’ depression with the mediation of cognitive flexibility

Introduction: The aim of this study was to predict depression on the basis of family communication dimensions with the mediation of cognitive flexibility.                                                                              Materials and Methods: In this correlational study, 390 students (201 girls and 189 boys) constructed the sample group. ‌They were selected from 2^nd grade of high schools in Shiraz in the academic year of 201516 through randomized multistage cluster sampling style. To measure the research variables, Fitzpatrick and Ritchie’s family communication patterns (RFCP), Dennis and Van der Wal’s cognitive flexibility (CFI) and Beck depressionsecond edition (BDIII) inventories were used. Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis by SPSS 22 and AMOS 20 were used to analyze research data.  Results:The results of path analysis indicated that the conversation orientation has direct negative effect (P=0.005) and an indirect effect through the mediation of cognitive flexibility (P=0.001) on depression. Also conformity orientation had only direct and positive effect (P=0.001) on depression. Conclusion: In overall, the results of this study showed that cognitive flexibility plays mediating role in the relationship between conversation orientation and depression.