The Longitudinal Stability and Predictive Capability of Positive and Negative Self-Schemas in a Multi-Informant Study of Child and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Research has established that negative self-schemas are potent risk factors for depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. However, few studies have examined whether positive self-schemas provide unique information about children and adolescents’ depressive symptoms and their well-being. Further, examining the stability of cognitive content during this developmental transition is also relevant. Informed by positive (clinical) psychology and cognitive-developmental frameworks, this study examined a) the longitudinal stability of children and adolescents’ self-schemas and b) the prospective associations of positive and negative self-schemas to children and adolescents’ depressive symptoms and life satisfaction in a community sample of 139 children and adolescents (Mage = 11.20, SD = 1.21) and their parent/guardian. Results provided preliminary evidence that negative and positive self-schemas exhibit stability over time. Positive self-schemas also predicted unique variance in children and adolescents’ depressive symptoms, above and beyond negative self-schemas. Only negative self-schemas were uniquely associated with children and adolescents’ life satisfaction over time. These results suggest there may be utility in incorporating positive self-schemas into models of child and adolescent depression. As well, these results may provide important information regarding appropriate timing for the prevention of child and adolescent depression and bolstering of well-being.