Dimensions of temperament and depressive symptoms: Replicating a three-way interaction

Michael W. Vasey, Casaundra N. Harbaugh, Chistopher J. Lonigan, Beth M. Phillips, Benjamin L. Hankin, Lore Willem, Patricia Bijttebier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

High negative emotionality (NE), low positive emotionality (PE), and low self-regulatory capacity (i.e., effortful control or EC) are related to depressive symptoms and furthermore, may moderate one another's relations to such symptoms. Indeed, preliminary evidence suggests they may operate in a three-way interaction (Dinovo & Vasey, 2011), but the replicability of that finding remains unknown. Therefore, we tested this NE. ×. PE. ×. EC interaction in association with depressive symptoms in 5 independent samples. This interaction was significant in 4 of the 5 samples and a combined sample and approached significance in the fifth sample. In contrast, the NE. ×. PE. ×. EC interaction was unrelated to general anxious symptoms and thus may be specific to symptoms of depression. Implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)908-921
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Research in Personality
Volume47
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Depressive symptoms
  • Effortful control
  • Negative emotionality
  • Positive emotionality
  • Temperament

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • General Psychology

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