Interactions between self and external reinforcement in predicting depressive symptoms

A low rate of self-reinforcement has been argued by a number of theorists to be implicated in the aetiology and maintenance of unipolar depression. This paper examines the relationship between dispositional rates of self-reinforcement, as assessed by the Frequency of Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire (Heiby, 1982, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 20, 397-401), external sources of reward and punishment, extraversion, neuroticism, and depression. Using a hierarchical regression methodology (N = 366), evidence was found to support the view that self-reinforcement is a construct distinct from other major personality variables, and that it has both direct and moderational effects on depression. The results did not support the view that extraversion is associated with depression either as a main effect or in interaction with neuroticism. It is argued that despite the significant results, the main and interactional influences of self-reinforcement on depression are minor and that the important role of external sources of reinforcement and punishment should not be disregarded.