COGNITIVE-FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION

The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive processes, whic h have been found in depressed adults, that may contribute to depressi on in adolescents To this end a modified version of Kelly's Role Const ruct Repertory Test was administered to 15 clinically depressed adoles cents, 15 somewhat depressed adolescents, and 15 nondepressed adolesce nts, whose ages ranged from 13 to 16 years with the majority (75%) bei ng female. Compared to the other groups, the clinically depressed grou p demonstrated lower self-esteem, greater pessimism about the future, more frequent polarized construing increased interpersonal isolation, and a more external locus of control Results are discussed in relation to findings from previous studies and recommendations are made for fu ture research.