Self-criticism, intensity of perceived negative life events, and distress: Results from a two-wave study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether changes in the maladaptive personality trait of self-criticism and changes in the interaction between this trait and the intensity of perceived negative life events predict changes in distress over a period of five months. A final sample of 207 young adults participated, responding to the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, the Life Experiences Survey, and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Results demonstrated that changes in self-criticism predicted changes in distress over and beyond the prediction associated with assessing the intensity of perceived negative life events. Further, changes in self-criticism and perceived negative life events interacted in the prediction of changes in distress. Findings are discussed in terms of personality characteristics of self-critical individuals and of the construct of resilience.