: Traumatic events have predicted depressive symptoms.
Despite this consensus, it remains unclear as to whether the relationship between trauma and depression is consistently mediated by
a negative cognitive schema, such as low self-esteem, or whether
trauma influences mood independently of low self-esteem. This
study tested these relationships while considering depressive symptom types. One hundred thirty-two students reported the number of
traumatic events experienced and self-esteem and depression levels.
Results indicated 2 depressive symptom types: “cognitive-affective”
and “somatic.” Structural Equation Modeling tested an unmediated
path from trauma to depressive symptoms and a path mediated by
self-esteem. Results supported the unmediated relationship between
trauma and “cognitive-affective” depressive symptoms, and did not
support mediation by self-esteem. Findings are discussed in view of
a dimensional rather than categorical approach to depression, and in
consideration of alternative symptom clusters resulting from trauma
in addition to those captured by posttraumatic stress disorder.