Examining the Tripartite Model of Affect in Young Australians
Author Information
Author(s): Joe A Buckby, Sue M Cotton, Elizabeth M Cosgrave, Eoin J Killackey, Alison R Yung
Primary Institution: ORYGEN Youth Health Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Hypothesis
The study aims to validate the Tripartite model of affect in a clinical sample of older adolescents and young adults.
Conclusion
The study found that the Tripartite model does not adequately explain the relationship between anxiety and depression in clinical populations of young people.
Supporting Evidence
- The predicted Tripartite structure was not supported in the clinical sample.
- A 2-factor model representing Depression and Anxiety showed superior fit.
- High correlations between depression and anxiety constructs were observed.
- The MASQ may reflect general psychological distress in certain populations.
Takeaway
Researchers wanted to see if a model that explains anxiety and depression works for young people, but they found it doesn't fit well.
Methodology
Participants completed the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) and a diagnostic interview, followed by confirmatory factor analysis.
Potential Biases
The study may not represent the wider population of young people with mental health issues, as it focused on help-seekers.
Limitations
The sample size was less than generally recommended for factor analytic investigations, and the study may not generalize to all clinical populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 15-24 years, with a mean age of 17.78 years, and included 61% females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.025
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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