Self-criticism, intensity of perceived negative life events, and distress: Results from a two-wave study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether changes in the maladaptive personality trait of selfcriticism and changes in the interaction between this trait and the intensity of perceived negative life events predict changes in distress over a period of five months. A final sample of 207 young adults participated, responding to the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, the Life Experiences Survey, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Results demonstrated that changes in self-criticism predicted changes in distress over and beyond the prediction associated with assessing the intensity of perceived negative life events. Further, changes in selfcriticism and perceived negative life events interacted in the prediction of changes in distress. Findings are discussed in terms of personality characteristics of self-critical individuals and of the construct of resilience.