Negative cognitive style as a predictor of negative life events in depression-prone individuals: a test of the stress generation hypothesis.

Background: Stress generation effects in depressed individuals have been well-documented. However, less is known about what personal attributes of depression-prone individuals may contribute to the stress generation effect. This study investigated the role of negative cognitive style in predicting the occurrence of negative life events.

Are you currently on a diet? What respondents mean when they say "yes".

Male and female university students were asked the questions "Are you currently on a diet to lose weight?" and "Are you currently on a diet to maintain your weight?" Respondents were asked to clarify positive responses by listing weight-control behaviors in which they were engaged. Responses were coded into 12 categories of dieting methods. Results indicated women and men who diet to lose weight engage in a wider variety of weight-loss behaviors than those engaged in dieting to maintain weight.