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Drawing from the meta-construct model of cognition (Ingram, 1984; Ingram & Kendall, 1986), the goal of the present study was to examine whether the structural (i.e., self-complexity; SC, Linville, 1985) and propositional components of schemas (dysfunctional attitudes; DAS, Weissman & Beck, 1978), independently and in interaction with each other and stressors, lead to changes in depressive symptoms. The prediction was that if negative self-attributes across different self-aspects in a specific domain, interpersonal or achievement, are highly distinct (i.e., high negative SC) or if positive self-attributes across different aspects of self are redundant (i.e., low positive SC), then the DAS would be more likely to lead to higher levels of depression when domain-congruent stressors occur. To test the main effect, two-way interaction, and three-way interaction hypotheses, the present study used a two month longitudinal design involving three assessment periods, separated by one month. At the baseline, a total of 189 students participated in the study. Of these students, 163 and 121 students participated in the first and second follow-ups, respectively. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine two-way and three-way interactions. Results showed strong support for the predictive power of negative SC with respect to depressive symptomatology. The DAS, on the contrary, was a concurrent factor related to depressive symptoms. Further, the present study did not provide supportive evidence for the diathesis-stress model of depression. Although contradicting expectations, the pattern of relationships between interpersonal negative SC, DAS, distal stressors suggested promising venues for future research. / Ph. D.

Background: Exercise is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention for individuals with a bipolar disorder diagnosis (BDD). Although physical activity can be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms, there is preliminary evidence that high-intensity exercise can exacerbate (hypo)mania-related symptoms. Risks associated with other forms of exercise remain unknown. Method: To investigate the potential risks and benefits of low-intensity exercise, non-clinical participants were asked to either copy repetitive movements (n = 20), copy variable movements (n = 20) or watch variable movements (n = 21), following approach motivation induction. Hypomania-like symptoms, positive affect and approach motivation were measured pre-, during and post-task. Trait behavioural activation system (BAS) sensitivity was measured as a moderating factor. Results: There were no group differences in symptom change over time. BAS sensitivity did not moderate this relationship. Limitations: A predominantly student population with low average trait BAS sensitivity was studied. The reliability and validity of the approach motivation induction, mania measure and physical activity task are uncertain. Conclusions: It is unclear whether different types of low-intensity exercise are of risk or benefit for individuals prone to (hypo)mania. This area requires further investigation.

Prediction of psychological wellbeing was investigated utilising a specific set of cognitive measures. This study considered a mixed method approach, progressing in three main phases. First study (the pilot study) involved (n=147) participants where data analysis was conducted using ANOVA, multiple regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The Pilot study considered six measures of thinking Style or Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS-24), Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ-6 negative), Meta-cognitive Awareness Questionnaire (MAQ), Mastery/control, Cybernetic Coping Scale (CCS-15) and Beck Depression Inventory BDI-II. The correlation analysis showed positive association between variables with predictive approximation of 30% for depressive symptoms. The pilot study’s confirmatory factor and path analysis results produced supporting evidence of predictive quality with a good fit with model. The second phase comprised of a two-wave panel survey which included most of the measures from study one but added a 12-item version of Eysenck’s Personality Inventory, while the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) measures replaced the BDI-II. Regression analysis indicated that approximately 50% of the variance in PHQ scores could be predicted with DAS-24, mastery, ASQ and Neuroticism being the strongest predictors. A second regression analysis predicted 65% of the variance in GAD7 scores with DAS success and perfectionism sub factor being the strongest predictor. A series of confirmatory factor analysis was conducted as well as regression and covariance analysis of the identified variables. Longitudinal path analyses were performed indicating that approximately 74% of the variance in PHQ9 scores and 71% of the variance in GAD7 scores at time two could be predicted, with the time one well-being measures the strongest predictors. The most striking findings related to the role of Neuroticism in prediction of psychological wellbeing. Third phase of this mixed method study considered qualitative approach, using framework analysis. Participants were twelve clinicians who currently working with clients with depressive or anxiety based difficulties. The main findings indicated that all previously identified independent variables of thinking style, perception, control and though awareness contributing towards psychological wellbeing. Other notable observation included participant’s clinical training modality that influenced the choice of responses. Overall tested hypotheses in both modalities of studies provided additional knowledge and understanding by offering a unique theoretical perspective, where the correlation between psychological wellbeing and cognitive processes could be predicted when utilising specific sets of measures.

The influence of cognitive organization, dysfunctional attitudes, and depressive "subtype" on the perceptions of negative life events is explored. BDI scores are used to delineate symptomatic and non-symptomatic groups. Construct content (sociotropic versus autonomous, as first defined by Beck) is used to identify predominant schema-type. Subjects completed a Problematic Situations Questionnaire with Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. Results indicate that depressed individuals display more dysfunctional attitudes and negative affect in all types of negative situations; further the endorsement of dysfunctional attitudes is significantly more likely to occur in the context of schema-congruent situations. Findings are discussed a) in terms of the utility of personal constructs in the assessment of schema-type and b) in accordance with a person-event interactional model of depression.

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