Hayes, A. M., Harris, M. S., & Carver, C. S. (2004). Predictors of self-esteem variability. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 28, 369-385.
Self-esteem variability has been shown to prospectively predict
symptoms of depression. We examined four potential contributors to SE
variability (limited sources of self-esteem, defectiveness, negative
generalization, and adverse events). College students with and without
a history of depression symptoms completed ratings of current
self-esteem and adverse events for 14 days. Adverse interpersonal
events predicted SE variability, as did their interaction with
defectiveness and with generalization. Generalization also contributed
uniquely to the prediction of SE variability. More severe symptoms of
past depression were associated with more defectiveness, negative
generalization, adverse events, and SE variability. Results support J.
E. Roberts and S. M. Monroe's (1994) theoretical model of vulnerable
self-esteem and depression and help to elucidate the process by which
SE variability occurs.
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