Gender and cognitive vulnerability to depression: Role of the automatic thoughts

This study assessed gender differences in automatic thoughts as an explanation for gender differences in depression. 764 students (464 females and 300 males), aged 18-24, completed the Self-talk Inventory and the CES-D. Positive thinking and particularly depressive thoughts mediated gender differences in depressive symptoms. Mediation was also confirmed for SOM ratios, with females showing lower SOM ratios than male students. Findings are discussed from the Cognitive Specificity Theory and the Tripartite Model of Anxiety and Depression.