Differential emotions theory: relative contribution of emotion, cognition, and behavior to the prediction of depressive symptomatology in non-referred adolescents.

This study examined the relative contribution of emotions, cognition, and behavior to depressive symptomatology with 80 non-referred adolescents. Differential emotions theory emphasized emotions but pointed to the importance of behavioral and cognitive variables. Subjects completed self-rating scales, theoretically related to depression and differential emotions theory, assessing depressive symptomatology, emotions, automatic dysfunctional thoughts, and activity. Two hierarchical multiple regression models entered the emotional variables first but varied the entry of behavioral and cognitive variables. The findings emphasized the interplay between emotion and behavior, and provided equivocal support for the role of cognition.