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.
David
Melissa
M
Cognitive Psychopathology and Neuropsychology Unit, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. Melissa.David@unige.ch
Ceschi
Grazia
G
Billieux
Joël
J
Van der Linden
Martial
M
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