COGNITIVE CORRELATES OF DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationship of cognitive and emotion regulation strategies (i.e., other-blame, catastrophizing, putting into perspective, positive refocusing, positive reappraisal, acceptance, and refocus on planning) with depression in adolescents.

Hypotheses: In the light of literature it was hypothesized that there would be a significant relationship between depression and catastrophizing, positive reappraisal, putting into perspective, positive refocusing, other-blame, acceptance and refocus on planning in adolescents.

Research Design: Correlational Study

Place and Duration of Study: Karachi, 2013

Sample and Method: Sample of the present study comprised of 334 secondary school students. Among them 179(53.5%) were males and 155 (46.4%) were females. Their age range was from 12-16 years (Mean age 14.55 years, SD = 1.041). Personal information form, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski & Kraaij, 2002), and Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Children’s Version (CES-DC; Weissman, Orvaschel, & Padian, 1980) were administered.

Result: Results were calculated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation indicating significant relationships of other-blame, catastrophizing, and positive refocusing with depression in adolescents.

Conclusion: Results indicate positive relationships of other-blame and catastrophizing with depression and negative relationship between positive refocusing and depression in adolescents