Predict Depression in College Students through Attributional Style and Religious Orientation

This study aimed to predict depression in college students through attributional style and religious orientation. In this correlational research, 200 students were selected among all undergraduate students from Azad Medical University of Tehran using multi-stage sampling method. Then the subjects were examined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Allport's religious orientation questionnaires and Seligman Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Data were analyzed using pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, multivariable analyze of variance and t-tests. The results showed that intrinsic attributional style and table attributional style in negative events were predictors of significant and positive depression. Intrinsic religious orientation was significant negative predictor of and depression. In addition, independent t-test showed that religious affiliation in females was significantly more than males. In addition, depression scores in females were significantly higher than that of males; furthermore, the difference between mean scores of intrinsic, global and stable attributional styles in positive and negative events simultaneously between females and males was not significant. The results imply that attributional style and religious orientation are of the most effective predictors of depression.