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Related Experiment Videos

Interactions between self and external reinforcement in predicting depressive symptoms

R B Wilkinson1

  • 1Division of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Behaviour Research and Therapy
|April 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Low self-reinforcement may contribute to depression, but its effects are minor. External rewards and punishments play a significant role in depression alongside personality factors.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Low self-reinforcement is theorized to contribute to the development and persistence of unipolar depression.
  • Understanding the interplay between self-reinforcement, personality, and external factors is crucial for depression research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between self-reinforcement rates, external reward/punishment, and personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism) in relation to depression.
  • To determine if self-reinforcement is a distinct construct and its direct/moderational effects on depression.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized hierarchical regression analysis with a sample size of 366 participants.
  • Assessed dispositional self-reinforcement using the Frequency of Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire.

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  • Examined the influence of external reward/punishment, extraversion, and neuroticism.

    • Main Results:

    • Self-reinforcement emerged as a construct distinct from major personality variables.
    • Evidence supported both direct and moderational effects of self-reinforcement on depression.
    • No significant association was found between extraversion and depression, either as a main effect or in interaction with neuroticism.

    Conclusions:

    • While self-reinforcement influences depression, its impact is relatively minor.
    • External sources of reward and punishment are significant factors in depression and should not be overlooked.
    • Future research should continue to explore the multifaceted nature of depression etiology.