Irrational Beliefs and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: Examining the Mediating Role of Self-Image.

Abstract

The present study examined the role of self-image as a mediator in the relationships between irrational beliefs and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The sample was comprised of 1000 bilingual adolescent students (aged 13 to 19 years), males (45%) and females (55%). They were urban residents of Lahore between the age of 13 and 19 years, with average age of 16.09 years (S.D. = 1.75). The participants were taken from a total of fifteen diverse English medium schools, colleges, and tuition centers in Lahore, Pakistan. They completed a demographic information sheet, Irrational Belief Test (Jones, 1968), Beck Depression Inventory-II (Beck et al., 1996) and Offer’s Self Image Questionnaire (Offer et al., 1989). Structural Equation Modeling indicated that self-image played a fully mediating role between demand for approval and depressive symptoms as well as anxious overconcern and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, self-image partially mediated between frustration reaction, problem avoidance, helplessness for change, perfectionism and depressive symptoms. The findings shed light on the importance of personality trait (self-image) in linking the cognitive beliefs and mental health. The study has implications for counselors, clinicians and school psychologists as it highlights the necessity of rational counselling.