Does Working Memory Mediate the Link Between Dispositional Optimism and Depressive Symptoms?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the interplay between working memory (WM), dispositional optimism, and depressive symptoms in participants across a wide age band (16–79 years) in a nonclinical sample using a computer-based interface. We administered tests of visuospatial WM (processing and recall), dispositional optimism (optimism and pessimism), and self-reported depression. There were two main findings: 1) both optimism and pessimism were independent predictors of a self-rated depression score; 2) WM recall scores predicted both optimism and pessimism. The findings suggest the following pattern: according to the negativity bias, a pessimistic outlook presents as a strong stimulus for attentional allocation, which results in depression. However, a strong WM can counter this pattern, as individuals can allocate attention to the weaker stimulus, which is an optimistic outlook. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Title

Applied Cognitive Psychology

Volume

30

Issue

6

First Page

1068

Last Page

1072

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/acp.3272

ISSN

08884080

E-ISSN

10990720

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