Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of compartmentalizing self-concept on depression. For this purpose, a three-way in- teraction of compartmentalization, differential importance_revised (DI_R), and proportion of negative attributes_revised (Neg_R) was examined. Depression (CES-D) and self-concept structure (S-SAT) were measured in 292 college students. Analyses of the data showed that compartmentalization and DI_R had a main effect when Neg_R was low. The more com- partmentalized, the more depressed and the more important the negative aspect, the more depressed. However, when Neg_R was high, there was an interaction effect between compartmentalization and DI_R. Depression levels were higher in the posi- tive compartmentalization group than in the positive integrated group. However, there was no significant difference between the negative compartmentalization and integration groups. These results suggest that positive compartmentalization may be associated with vulnerability to depression, and that integration may not always be associated with depression reduction. Fi- nally, the clinical implications and limitations of the study are discussed.