Factorial Categorization of Depression-Related Constructs in Early Adolescents

The current study examined the factorial categorization of 12 depression-related constructs in a sample of seventh graders. For this purpose, different vulnerability factors, as well as depressive symptoms, were assessed, including depressogenic inferential styles about the self, consequences, and causes; dependency; self-criticism; distraction; problem solving; rumination; self-esteem; and social support. Separate exploratory factor analyses by sex revealed that symptoms of depression consistently loaded onto a separate factor from vulnerability constructs. Generally, girls and boys displayed similar factor structures, as indicated by separable factors tapping coping, self-view, and pessimism. Additionally, there were noteworthy sex differences. Girls, but not boys, displayed a pattern suggesting the development of a coping style encompassing social support.