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April 3, 2026Open Access

Interpersonal cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts as predictors of depression among college students: Insights from the structural equation model

NRNellore Pratika ReddySri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research KSKailash SureshkumarChettinad Academy of Research and Education

Key Points

The study aims to explore how interpersonal cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts predict levels of depression.
Utilized non-probability sampling with 200 college students.
Employed a quantitative, ex-post facto research design.
Conducted descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS.
Applied Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS.
Significant differences in depression levels based on factors like self-esteem and helplessness.
Found a positive correlation between depression and interpersonal cognitive distortions (r = 0.337).
Negative self-concept and negative expectations mediated the relationship between cognitive distortions and depression.

Abstract

Background: Depression is a highly pervasive mental health condition characterized by behavioural, affective, cognitive and somatic symptoms leading to impairments in social, interpersonal and occupational functioning. It is one of the most commonly occurring mental health disorders, affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of interpersonal cognitive distortions and automatic negative thoughts on depression. Materials and Methods: The study employed non-probability sampling and included 200 college students. A quantitative approach with an ex-post facto research design was utilized. Statistical analysis: SPSS version 25 was used to conduct descriptive and inferential statistics to comprehend the participants and the variables. Smart PLS was used for Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results: The results indicated that there were significant differences in the levels of depression based on low self-esteem (f = 45.661, P < 0.01), helplessness (f = 31.609, P < 0.01), negative self-concept and negative expectations (f = 57.953, P < 0.01), as well as interpersonal cognitive distortions (f = 5.822, P < 0.01). Depression was found to have a significant positive correlation with interpersonal cognitive distortions (r = 0.337, P < 0.01), low self-esteem (r = 0.697, P < 0.05), helplessness (r = 0.655, P < 0.01), negative self-concept and negative expectations (r = 0.780, P < 0.01). Furthermore, negative self-concept and negative expectations (t = 2.099, P < 0.05) were found to mediate the relationship between interpersonal cognitive distortions and depression. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the understanding of the critical role that negative thoughts play in the development of depression. It highlights the importance of designing interventions that specifically target automatic negative thoughts.

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