Hypomanic traits and response styles to depression.

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that the manic defence involves specific response styles to depression, namely distraction and indulging in dangerous activities.

DESIGN

A correlational study was conducted with undergraduate participants assessed for hypomanic traits using Eckblad and Chapman's Hypomanic Personality Scale.

METHOD: Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory, and an expanded version of Nolen-Hoeksema's Response Styles Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Depression was strongly associated with a ruminative response style. Hypomanic traits were associated with rumination, a distraction response style and with indulging in dangerous activities. However, as only 17% of the variance in hypomania scores was accounted for, other factors must play an important role in determining this trait.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomania (and possibly mania) may be products of ineffective styles of coping with negative emotions.