Depression is a widespread psychological issue. Research suggests that attachment theory provides a useful lens through which to understand the occurrence of depression, as attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance is associated with greater reports of depression. However, less is known about how attachmentmotivated perceptions and cognitions relate to depression. In the current study, we examined self-compassion, and perceptions of belonging and burdensomeness as potential mediators of the association between depression and attachment anxiety and avoidance, using a sample (N = 370) of students from a large southern metropolitan university. Results suggested that self-compassion, and perceived belonging and burdensomeness, mediated the association between attachment anxiety and depression. Those with greater attachment anxiety reported less self-compassion, feeling less belonging, and more burdensomeness. These factors were associated with increased depressive symptoms. With respect to attachment avoidance, only belonging served as a mediator, such that those with greater attachment avoidance reported feeling less belonging, and this related to feeling more depressive symptoms. An alternative model is also presented and discussed. These results suggest potential attachment-motivated perceptions and cognitions that may be addressed in clinical settings in an effort to minimize depressive symptoms.