Specific vulnerability to depressive mood reactions in schoolchildren: The moderating role of self-esteem

Tested the specific vulnerability hypothesis of Blatt and Zuroff's (1992) theory of personality predispositions to depression in a sample of 119 3rd-grade children (58 girls and 61 boys; mean age = 8.8 years) and 184 7th-grade children (78 girls and 106 boys; mean age = 12.8 years). In addition, we examined whether high self-esteem buffers against depressive reactions following negative events in children possessing high levels of self-criticism or dependency. Last, we examined whether these relations vary as a function of grade or sex. At baseline, participants completed questionnaires assessing depressed mood, self-criticism, dependency, and self-esteem. Six weeks later participants completed questionnaires assessing depressed mood and negative events. Results provided limited support for the specific vulnerability hypothesis.