A Test of Beck's Cognitive Diathesis-Stress Theory of Depression in Early Adolescents

The current study tested the diathesis-stress component of Beck's cognitive theory of depression in a sample of early adolescents. The study also examined whether high levels of social support and self-esteem buffer against depressive reactions in children with high levels of dysfunctional attitudes. At Time 1, 184 seventh graders completed measures assessing dysfunctional attitudes, social support, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Six weeks later, they completed measures assessing depressive symptoms and hassles. In support of Beck's theory, higher levels of dysfunctional attitudes were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Contrary to hypotheses, however, dysfunctional attitudes served as a vulnerability to depressive reactions following negative events in children with high but not low levels of self-esteem. Similarly, contrary to hypotheses, dysfunctional attitudes served as a vulnerability to depressive reactions following negative events in children with high but not low levels of social support. Results are interpreted within a self-esteem lability framework.