Depressive symptoms after trauma: is self-esteem a mediating factor?
Traumatic events have predicted depressive symptoms. Despite this consensus, it remains unclear as to whether the relationship between trauma and depression is consistently mediated by a negative cognitive schema, such as low self-esteem, or whether trauma influences mood independently of low self-esteem. This study tested these relationships while considering depressive symptom types. One hundred thirty-two students reported the number of traumatic events experienced and self-esteem and depression levels. Results indicated 2 depressive symptom types: "cognitive-affective" and "somatic." Structural Equation Modeling tested an unmediated path from trauma to depressive symptoms and a path mediated by self-esteem. Results supported the unmediated relationship between trauma and "cognitive-affective" depressive symptoms, and did not support mediation by self-esteem. Findings are discussed in view of a dimensional rather than categorical approach to depression, and in consideration of alternative symptom clusters resulting from trauma in addition to those captured by posttraumatic stress disorder.
Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Melissa.David@unige.ch
Melissa
M
David
Grazia
G
Ceschi
Joël
J
Billieux
Martial
M
Van der Linden
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology