THE ROLE OF EXPLANATORY STYLE AND NEGATIVE LIFE EVENTS IN DEPRESSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY WITH YOUTH FROM A NORTH AMERICAN PLAINS RESERVATION

In a cross-sectional study, we examined the role of explanatory styles and negative life events in the depressive experiences of AI youth. Ninety-three AI youth (49% female, ages 11-14 years) completed surveys assessing for explanatory style, negative life events, and depressive symptoms. Path analyses indicated that both the occurrence of negative life events within the past 6 months and a pessimistic explanatory style predicted more depressive symptoms. However, a moderation path model provided a superior fit to the data, indicating that the occurrence of negative life events was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms for those AI youth with a more pessimistic explanatory style. Findings are discussed in terms of potential interventions that can promote the well-being of this understudied and underserved population.