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The Conceptualization of the Positive Cognitive Triad and Associations with Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents

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Abstract

The positive cognitive triad (positive cognitions about the self, world, and future) has been considered a protective factor against depressive symptoms. This study examines three conceptualizations of the positive cognitive triad and their relation to depressive symptoms. Analyses were replicated in two samples in order to provide evidence for the validity of findings. Two samples (n1 = 2982, Mage = 13.04, Rangeage = 11–15 years; n2 = 2540, Mage = 13.11, Rangeage = 11–16 years) of Australian adolescents completed the Positive Cognitive Triad Inventory and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Findings supported the notion that the overall positive cognitive triad is a protective factor for depressive symptoms, and specifically, the role of positive cognitions about the self in this protection. After future studies examine the directionality of the relation between positive cognitions and depressive symptoms, mental health providers using cognitive behavioral approaches may consider examining positive cognitions with patients.

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Notes

  1. A nonsignificant χ2 value indicates good model fit, although this is sensitive to large sample sizes [37, 38]. RMSEA values below 0.05 indicate good fit, and values between 0.05 and 0.08 indicate acceptable fit [39]. Regarding the CFI, values greater than 0.95 indicate good fit, and values ranging from 0.90 to 0.95 indicate acceptable fit [39]. AIC and BIC are used to compare models, rather than evaluate models independently. Lower AIC and BIC values are preferred.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Education and Human Development, University of Louisville, Woodford and Harriet Porter Building, 1905 S 1st St, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA

    Caroline M. Pittard

  2. College of Education and Human Development, University of Louisville, Woodford and Harriett Porter Building, 1905 South 1st Street, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA

    Patrick Pössel

  3. Duke University Talent Identification Program, 300 Fuller Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA

    Jill L. Adelson

  4. Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Level 1, Building M24, Mount Gravatt Campus, 176, Messines Ridge Rd., Mt. Gravatt, QLD, 4121, Australia

    Susan H. Spence

  5. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Room 122, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Jeanie Sheffield

  6. Research and Evaluation Unit, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia

    Michael G. Sawyer

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  1. Caroline M. Pittard
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  2. Patrick Pössel
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  3. Jill L. Adelson
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Correspondence to Caroline M. Pittard.

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Pittard, C.M., Pössel, P., Adelson, J.L. et al. The Conceptualization of the Positive Cognitive Triad and Associations with Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 52, 903–915 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-01062-w

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