Pessimism, trauma, risky sex: covariates of depression in college students.
OBJECTIVE
To explain variance in depression in students (N = 648) using a model incorporating sexual trauma, pessimism, and risky sex.


METHODS
Survey data collected from undergraduate students receiving credit for participation.


RESULTS
Controlling for demographics, a hierarchical linear regression analysis [Adjusted R(2) = .34, F(5,642) = 67.38, P<.001] suggests that higher pessimism (t = 16.05, P < .001), more sexual trauma (t = 3.76, P<.001), and more risky sex (t = 3.40, P<.001) were associated with increased depression. Not being in a relationship (t = 3.54, P<.001) and being unemployed (t = 3.10, P<.01) also predicted more depression in students.


CONCLUSIONS
Results identify key access points for the treatment of depression in students.
Swanholm
Eric
E
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Vosvick
Mark
M
Chng
Chwee-Lye
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult