Negative self-schemas and the onset of depression in women: longitudinal study.
BACKGROUND
Beck's cognitive theory of depression has received little empirical support.


OBJECTIVE
To test whether those with negative self-schemas were at risk of onset of depression.


METHODS
Data were collected by postal questionnaire from 12,003 women recruited during early pregnancy; questionnaires included measures of depressive symptoms and negative self-schemas. Regular questionnaires were sent during pregnancy and following childbirth.


RESULTS
Of 8540 women not depressed when recruited, 8.6% (95% CI 8.0-9.2) became depressed 14 weeks later. Those in the highest tertile for negative self-schema score were more likely to become depressed than those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio 3.04, 95% CI 2.48-3.73). The association remained after adjustment for baseline depressive symptoms and previous depression (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.27-2.02) and was of similar magnitude for onset 3 years later.


CONCLUSIONS
Holding a negative self-schema is an independent risk factor for the onset of depression in women. This finding supports a key element of Beck's cognitive theory. Understanding more about how negative self-schemas arise should help inform preventive policies.
Evans
Jonathan
J
Division of Psychiatry, University of Bristol, Cotham House, Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6JL, UK. j.evans@bristol.ac.uk
Heron
Jon
J
Lewis
Glyn
G
Araya
Ricardo
R
Wolke
Dieter
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires