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  • Title: Attributional versus preattributional variables in self-esteem and depression: a comparison and test of learned helplessness theory.
    Author: Brewin CR, Furnham A.
    Journal: J Pers Soc Psychol; 1986 May; 50(5):1013-20. PubMed ID: 3712226.
    Abstract:
    Predictions made according to the attributional reformulation of learned helplessness theory concerning the cognitive determinants of low self-esteem and depression were tested in two samples of undergraduates; real and hypothetical life events were used. As predicted, internal attributions for hypothetical success and failure were correlated with self-esteem, but there was an unexpected correlation with global attributions for negative outcomes. Two "preattributional" variables, consensus and consistency judgments, were also related to self-esteem and depression. In contrast to learned helplessness theory, a path analysis indicated that these variables were not attributionally mediated. Consensus judgment was as strong a predictor of depression as the number of recent distressing life events that subjects had experienced. Other evidence that links depression to perceived low consensus is described, and a possible etiological role for this variable is outlined.
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