Interpersonal cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts as predictors of depression among college...

Depression is a highly pervasive mental health condition characterized by behavioural, affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms leading to impairments in social, interpersonal and occupational functioning. It is one of the most commonly occurring mental health disorders, affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of interpersonal cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts on depression.

The study employed non-probability sampling and included 200 college students. A quantitative approach with an ex-post facto research design was utilized. Statistical analysis: SPSS version 25 was used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics to comprehend the participants and the variables. Smart PLS was used for Structural Equation Modelling (SEM).

The results indicated that there were significant differences in the levels of depression based on low self-esteem (f = 45.661, P < 0.01), helplessness (f = 31.609, P < 0.01), negative self-concept and negative expectations (f = 57.953, P < 0.01), as well as interpersonal cognitive distortions (f = 5.822, P < 0.01). Depression was found to have a significant positive correlation with interpersonal cognitive distortions (r = 0.337, P < 0.01), low self-esteem (r = 0.697, P < 0.05), helplessness (r = 0.655, P < 0.01), negative self-concept and negative expectations (r = 0.780, P < 0.01). Furthermore, negative self-concept and negative expectations (t = 2.099, P < 0.05) were found to mediate the relationship between interpersonal cognitive distortions and depression.

The present study contributes to the understanding of the critical role that negative thoughts play in the development of depression. It highlights the importance of designing interventions that specifically target automatic negative thoughts.