Young Adolescents' Perceptions of the Link between Low Self-Worth and Depressed Affect

Abstract

Previous research has documented a substantial correlation between global self-worth and affect (cheerful to depressed). It has typically been asserted that the self-evaluative component causally precedes the experience of affect. Efforts of the authors have caused them to question this claim In addressing adolescents' experience of the directionality of self-worth and depressed affect, approximately 40% report that low self-worth precedes depressed affect, whereas 60% report that they first experience depressed affect followed by low self-worth. Those reporting the primacy of low self-worth cited causes involving dissatisfaction with the self, in contrast to those reporting the primacy of affect who described actions of others against the self Finally, the affects associated with depression differed for the two directionality groups. Those experiencing the primacy of affect reported more anger toward others, whereas those experiencing the primacy of self-worth reported more shame and guilt. Findings were discussed in terms of different pathways toward potential depressive symptomatology.