Self-regulation and affective sensitivity: Personality-specific antecedents of depression

This study investigates the antidepressant effect of self-regulatory processes. On the basis of the multifactorial model of depression (Hautzinger, 1983, 1991; Lewinsohn et al., 1985) and self-regulation theory (Kuhl, 1998a, 2000a, 2001), a conceptual model was developed so that various self-regulatory mechanisms could be tested as to their efficiency. Empirical testing was carried out by means of path analysis (LISREL 8) and regression analysis. Two groups of subjects with either high or low neuroticism were compared (36 subjects in each group). The most efficient self-regulatory processes were obtained for each group: Subjects scoring high on neuroticism benefited most from self-congruent generation of goals (self-determination") whereas subjects scoring low on neuroticism benefited from fast and energetic goal enactment ("initiative"). Results are discussed with respect to the differential effect of the activation of the self-system on coping effectiveness for individuals characterized by high versus low emotional sensitivity.