Nosology of depression : neuroticism as a higher order factor in a dimensional approach to depression
- WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Adam David Hicks (Creator)
- Institution
- Western Carolina University (WCU )
- Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
- Advisor
- David McCord
Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between personality and depression. The current climate of psychology suggests that a shift may be forthcoming in the area of diagnostics and nosology. This shift is mostly due to arguments being aimed at the current diagnostic model which places all recognized mental disorders into separate categories. The dimensional model is considered the most likely replacement to the categorical model, if and when a change occurs. One of the foundations of this shift has been rooted in personality research, especially research involving the five factor model (FFM) of personality. Much of this research has revealed a distinct association between many different mental disorders and personality qualities, including the personality domain of Neuroticism and depression. There are few studies that delve further than just describing this association in terms more complex than correlational coefficients; though recently there have been efforts to create a personality inventory specifically for use in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). The current study attempted a more thorough investigation of the association between Neuroticism and depression. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure the level of depression within participants, and the M5-N-100, which is based on the FFM of personality, was used to gather information on participant's personality. Through the comparison of personality and depression it was found that the Neuroticism domain and its underlying facets correlated very highly (many at a .6 or higher level) with depression. A hierarchical multiple regression was also used to analyze the amount of variance within the participants' CES-D score that could be accounted for by their personality traits while controlling for gender. Results show that about 60% of the variance can be accounted for, mainly by the Depression facet. This study, as well as others, suggests that personality may play a more integral role in the detection and diagnosis of psychopathology than once thought.
Nosology of depression : neuroticism as a higher order factor in a dimensional approach to depression
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Created on 3/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Depression, Neuroticism, Personality
- Subjects
- Depression, Mental
- Neuroticism