Negative Attribution Style as Predictor of Depression among Homeless Individuals

Abstract

Pessimistic or negative attributional style is a negative cognitive style. It has been found as related to depression. Individuals living in shelter homes lacked proper housing. Therefore, they face numerous psychological problems. Depression is most prevalent among those psychological problems. The current study intended to investigate the impact of attributional style on depression along with demographic variations. In the present study, two instruments; the Attributional Style Questionnaire and, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were administered on the conveniently selected sample of 200 homeless individuals. The results revealed that negative attributional style has a significant relationship with depression and it caused 4.8% variation in depression. Stability accounted for greater variation compared to total negative attributional style or globality. Stability accounted for 7.5% variation in depression whereas globality accounted for just 2.1% variation. The study revealed significant gender base differences in attributional style and depression. Females scored significantly higher on negative attribution style, stability, globality, and depression compared to males.