Abstract
Based on the transpersonal model of stress, the purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effect of impulsivity
on the relationship between stressful life events (SLE) and depression among first year university women. Impulsivity consists
of tendencies towards lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, urgency and sensation seeking. Demographic questions, the
College Undergraduate Stress Scale, a depression inventory, and items from the Eysenck Personality Scales were completed by
102 female New Zealand university students, aged 17–55 years (mean = 28.71, SD = 11.18). Multiple linear regression analysis of data showed that impulsivity moderated the association between SLE and depressive
symptoms, such that the relationship was statistically significant only for the higher impulsivity group. For therapy, the
implication of this finding is that the effects of accumulated stressors on depressive symptoms may be buffered by strengthening
executive cognitive functioning abilities involving premeditation and self-control.
on the relationship between stressful life events (SLE) and depression among first year university women. Impulsivity consists
of tendencies towards lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, urgency and sensation seeking. Demographic questions, the
College Undergraduate Stress Scale, a depression inventory, and items from the Eysenck Personality Scales were completed by
102 female New Zealand university students, aged 17–55 years (mean = 28.71, SD = 11.18). Multiple linear regression analysis of data showed that impulsivity moderated the association between SLE and depressive
symptoms, such that the relationship was statistically significant only for the higher impulsivity group. For therapy, the
implication of this finding is that the effects of accumulated stressors on depressive symptoms may be buffered by strengthening
executive cognitive functioning abilities involving premeditation and self-control.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-011-9333-6
- Authors
- Dave Clarke, School of Psychology, Massey University, Albany Campus, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874