Development of cognitive diatheses for depression in children: parenting and negative life events as predictors

Abstract

In a sample of 515 children (grades 2, 4, and 6), we examined parenting and negative life events as predictors of depressive cognitions, specifically depressogenic attributional style, depressive cognitive schemas, and low self-perceived competence. We also examined developmental trends in these relations. Children completed measures of parenting, negative life events, and depressive cognitions. Parents also completed measures of parenting and negative life events. Consistent with our hypotheses, negative parenting and negative life events predicted higher levels of depressive cognitions and positive parenting predicted lower levels of depressive cognitions. The effects of negative parenting and negative life events increased with developmental level. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.