ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explain variance in depression in students (N = 648) using a model incorporating sexual trauma, pessimism, and risky sex. METHOD: Survey data collected from undergraduate students receiving credit for participation. RESULTS: Controlling for demographics, a hierarchical linear regression analysis [Adjusted R(2) = .34, F(5,642) = 67.38, P<.001] suggests that higher pessimism (t = 16.05, P < .001), more sexual trauma (t = 3.76, P<.001), and more risky sex (t = 3.40, P<.001) were associated with increased depression. Not being in a relationship (t = 3.54, P<.001) and being unemployed (t = 3.10, P<.01) also predicted more depression in students. CONCLUSIONS: Results identify key access points for the treatment of depression in students.
