Cataracts and major depressive disorder (MDD) both have high prevalence, representing for major health burdens globally. In this study, we examined the risk of MDD due to cataracts. Data from the 2016 to 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were used, including 4122 participants. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio for MDD in association with cataracts. Controlled variables were age, gender, smoking, dyslipidemia and mobility. Subgroup analysis was performed with stratification by gender. The results reveal that cataracts are significantly correlated with MDD. Elderly people with cataracts were found to be more likely to develop MDD compared to those without cataracts (adjusted odds ratio: 1.654; 95% CI = 1.197–2.286). In subgroup analysis, men (adjusted odds ratio: 2.631; 95% CI = 1.247–5.551) were found to be more likely to develop MDD than women (adjusted odds ratio: 1.510; 95% CI = 1.061–2.150). Cataracts may be a risk factor for MDD in the elderly, especially among the male population.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to systematically understand the characteristics of mentalization and provide implications for future research by overviewing domestic research trends related to mentalization, which are considered one of the important cognitive-emotional abilities. Methods For this purpose, 46 papers related to mentalization published in KCI-registered journals related to major counseling in Korea from 2001 to 2020 were analyzed for the year of publication, research subjects, research topics and analysis methods, measurement tools, research types, and psychological problem variables. Results First, mentalization research has been on a marked increase since 2017, and the subjects of the study were mainly focused on adults. Second, in terms of research methods, all but five literature studies and three qualitative studies were all quantitative studies. Looking at this by research analysis method, 18.5 pieces (48.7%) of regression analysis were used the most, followed by 14 pieces (36.9%) of structural analysis. Third, by research topic, 34 studies on variable relations were the most common (73.9%), followed by 5 studies (10.9%) and 4 studies (8.7%) on scale development. Fourth, the most widely used measurement tool in relation to the measurement tool was the ‘mentalization questionnaire’, followed by SRMQ and Ments. Finally, most of the studies confirmed the role of mentalization in the relationship with other psychological variables using mentalization as a parameter, followed by 4 studies (11.8%), 2 studies (5.9%), and 3 studies (8.8%), respectively. Conclusions Based on the results of this study, the main implications of mentalization research and suggestions for future research were discussed.