Degree
Master of Science
Program
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. David Dozois
Abstract
This longitudinal study investigated the prospective relation of core beliefs and maladaptive behaviours with stress generation. A sample of 151 depressed females completed a battery of questionnaires to assess the presence of early maladaptive schemas, excessive reassurance seeking (ERS), avoidance, depression and anxiety. Approximately three months later, participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II, a diagnostic interview, and a semi-structured contextual interview that assessed the number and severity of life events experienced since Baseline. ERS mediated the association between a Subjugation schema and dependent interpersonal stress, and behavioural-nonsocial avoidance mediated the relation of an Abandonment schema and dependent interpersonal stress. Furthermore, dependent interpersonal stress mediated the relation of Abandonment, Subjugation, ERS, and avoidance with depression at Follow-up, and ERS and behavioural avoidance both moderated the relation of Abandonment and dependent interpersonal stress. Findings suggest several causal mechanisms underlying the stress generation phenomenon.
Recommended Citation
Rnic, Katerina, "Cognitive Predictors and Behavioural Mediators of Vulnerability-Specific Stress Generation in Depressed Adults" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2129.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2129