| The purpose of the current study was to further the literature on attributional style and depression by considering the role of two positive elements as protective factors (i.e., self-esteem and enhancing attributional style for positive events) in a model of depression focused on early adolescence with a consideration for gender differences. The two theories guiding this investigation are the integrated hopelessness self-esteem theory of depression (Metalsky, Joiner, Hardin, & Abramson, 1993) and the recovery model (Needles & Abramson, 1990). Attributional style for positive events, depression, and self-esteem were assessed in a sample of 477 7th and 8th graders twice over a 4-month period. Results indicate significant correlations between attributional style and self-esteem, as well as significant correlations between atttributional style and depression for both boys and girls, although the correlation was stronger for girls. The results also indicate a significant correlation between self-esteem and depression for both boys and girls. In the test of separate models, moderation was not supported. Results of the mediation analysis indicate mediation of self-esteem in the relationship between attributional style for positive events and depression for girls, boys, and the full sample. |
