Predicting depression from temperament, personality, and patterns of social relations

The present study used a levels-of-analysis perspective (McAdams, 1995) to link temperament to depression. We hypothesized a mediational role for thre e personality variables (Agreeableness, Extraversion, Neuroticism) and two interpersonal variables (social support and negative social exchange) in ch anneling the effects of temperament. A structural equation modeling approac h supported the hypothesis that these three personality variables were medi ators of the link between temperament and depression. The patterns of media tion differed for Agreeableness, Extraversion, and Neuroticism. In addition to the three personality variables, social support and negative social exc hange were also found to mediate the effects of temperament. There was no e vidence that patterns of relations among the variables differed between mal es and females. Results are discussed in terms of a levels-of-analysis appr oach to the examination of the effects of temperament and personality on ad aptation outcomes.