Cognitive Therapy and Research

, Volume 29, Issue 6, pp 769–785 | Cite as

Dysphoria and Self-Esteem Following an Achievement Event: Predictive Validity of Goal Orientation and Personality Style Theories of Vulnerability

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Abstract

B. M. Dykman (1998) proposed a goal orientation model of depression in which striving to prove self-worth in goal pursuits conferred depression vulnerability. This study replicated and extended the findings of B. M. Dykman (1998) by comparing goal orientation against 2 personality variables: autonomy and sociotropy. In a series of sessions around an achievement event, college students completed goal orientation, autonomy/sociotropy, and measures of dysphoria and self-esteem. For participants who were dissatisfied with the achievement outcome, a greater validation seeking goal orientation predicted increased dysphoria and decreased self-esteem. No such effects were found for autonomy or sociotropy. These findings provide support for the contention that the goal of validating self-worth confers vulnerability to dysphoria and self-esteem loss.

Key Words

goal orientation performance/learning goals autonomy/sociotropy dysphoria/depression 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.University of WyomingLaramie
  2. 2.Department of PsychologyUniversity of WyomingLaramie

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