Level and perceived stability of self-esteem prospectively predict depressive symptoms during psychoeducational group treatment.
To investigate the combined roles of level and perceived stability of self-esteem in prospectively predicting depression.



Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured both before and after psychoeducational treatment for depression; level and perceived stability of self-esteem were measured before treatment.



Participants were 26 adults (16 female), age range 21-75 years.



More stable self-esteem was associated with greater depressive symptomatology at treatment completion, particularly among participants who began treatment with the lowest self-esteem. Effects were specific to symptoms of depression in contrast with anxiety.



These results suggest that a stable, well-consolidated negative self-concept is associated with prolonged depression and a poor response to psychosocial interventions.
Roberts
J E
JE
State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Psychology 14260-4110, USA. robertsj@acsu.buffalo.edu
Shapiro
A M
AM
Gamble
S A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome