Attributional style and symptoms of depression in persons with multiple sclerosis

This study was designed to assess hypotheses derived from the hopelessness theory of depression (Abramson, Metalsky, & Alloy, 1989), specifically that negative attributional style would be associated with depressive symptoms and that negative life events would interact with negative attributional style to explain depressive symptoms in a sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The research was cross sectional in design. Data was collected via survey from 495 persons with MS. Attributional style was positively associated with depressive symptoms across the whole sample. The proposition that negative life events would interact with negative attributional style to explain depressive symptoms was also supported, although only for global attributional style. Longitudinal studies would assist in determining the causal direction proposed by the hopelessness theory of depression in this population. It is also appropriate that clinicians consider attributional style in persons with MS whom they are treating for depression.