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Level and perceived stability of self-esteem prospectively predict depressive symptoms during psychoeducational group
J E Roberts1, A M Shapiro, S A Gamble
1State University of New York at Buffalo, Department of Psychology 14260-4110, USA. robertsj@acsu.buffalo.edu
Objectives:
To investigate the combined roles of level and perceived stability of self-esteem in prospectively predicting depression.
Design:
Symptoms of depression and anxiety were measured both before and after psychoeducational treatment for depression; level and perceived stability of self-esteem were measured before treatment.
Method:
Participants were 26 adults (16 female), age range 21-75 years.
Results:
More stable self-esteem was associated with greater depressive symptomatology at treatment completion, particularly among participants who began treatment with the lowest self-esteem. Effects were specific to symptoms of depression in contrast with anxiety.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that a stable, well-consolidated negative self-concept is associated with prolonged depression and a poor response to psychosocial interventions.