Irregularity in Daily Activities Predicts Depression via Reduced Perceived Control: A Daily Diary Study

Lower perceived control is associated with higher depressive symptoms linked to greater social rhythm irregularity.

• Social rhythm irregularity refers to disruptions in daily activities like meals and work.
• Perceived control may act as a psychological mediator in the relationship between social rhythm irregularity and depression.
• At the between-person level, lower perceived control significantly mediates the connection between irregular social rhythms and depressive symptoms.
• At the within-person level, daily perceived control fully mediates the relationship between daily social rhythm irregularity and end-of-day depressive affect.
• These findings suggest that psychological factors should be considered alongside circadian rhythm-related aspects in mental health assessments.

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