University of Twente Student Theses
The Longitudinal Relationship of Depressive Symptoms and Mental Well-Being : The Role of General Self-Efficacy as a Buffer? An Experience Sampling Study Among University Students
Kohlhoff, Martje (2021) The Longitudinal Relationship of Depressive Symptoms and Mental Well-Being : The Role of General Self-Efficacy as a Buffer? An Experience Sampling Study Among University Students.
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| Abstract: | Objective: The two-continua model proposes mental health as a complete state by considering psychopathology and mental well-being as being related but distinct constructs. While previous research has proven the model in cross-sectional studies between persons, there is less knowledge about the relationship between psychopathology and well-being within persons over time. In addition, recent studies have shown the potential of general self- efficacy to buffer against stressors and raised the interest to examine its protective mechanisms within the two-continua model. Methods: This study used experience sampling data from 25 university students (aged 19–32 years) reporting on 905 everyday-life situations over the course of two weeks (April 06 – April 19, 2020). Linear mixed models were used to examine the relationship between state depression and state mental well-being between and within persons. General self-efficacy was examined as a possible moderator of the overall association. Results: Findings revealed a moderate negative correlation between state depression and state mental well-being both between (β = –.386, p < .001) and within persons (β = –.543, p < .001). General self-efficacy did not significantly moderate the overall association. However, follow-up case analyses of single individuals with higher vs. lower levels on general self-efficacy showed tendencies towards the hypothesized protective role, that is, the association between depression and well-being was weaker for people high on general self-efficacy. Conclusion: This study gave a first insight into the two-continua model not only holding on the between-person but also on the within-person level. Study implications are discussed in three main contexts: promoting further within-person research of complete mental health, implementing knowledge of the two-continua model within persons in clinical settings, and further investigating protective factors for complete mental health in daily life, for example, by implementing interventions based on experience sampling method. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88011 |
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