A model involving optimism and hope as predictors of depressive symptoms was tested in a sample of 28 male and 67 female primary care patients. Beyond the distinct influence of the two predictors on depressive symptoms optimism and hope were also hypothesized to interact together to predict depressive symptoms. Results of a regression analysis indicated that independent of demographic variables (viz. age sex race/ethnicity marital status and educational level) optimism and hope were significant and unique predictors of depressive symptoms in adults. Noteworthy beyond optimism and hope the OptimismHope interaction term was found to significantly augment the prediction of depressive symptoms. Some implications of the present findings are discussed.
Citation:
The Journal of Positive Psychology , 2013 Vol. 8, No. 5, 404 – 411