Risk for depression in young adults: The role of appraisal bias and emotion dispositions

This research builds on potential factors responsible for the high risk for depression in adolescents and young adults. We examined the hypothesis that a low control/coping appraisal bias leads to emotion dispositions of worry and sadness, which in turn increase the risk for developing depression and generalized anxiety. We conducted a survey with 331 Swiss students using established clinical risk indicators (PHQ-9, CES-D) and proven survey instruments. A hierarchical regression analysis clearly supports the basic hypothesis. As many risk factors identified for adults are less applicable for adolescents and young adults, the current findings highlight prevention and intervention efforts targeting cognitive biases and emotion dispositions, which are more appropriate for this group.