Word Meaning Structure as a Predictor of Depression in Estonian Defense Forces

Abstract

This study examined psychological factors that predict the level of depression and the role of the dominant type of word meaning structure in the prediction of the level of depression. Native-born Estonian male recruits (N = 687), 18-28 years old, completed psychological tests assessing depression, dominant type of word meaning structure, cognitive ability, personality, self-esteem, coping style, and aggressiveness during the first month of their compulsory military service. The level of depression was assessed a second time about 4-5 months later. The study found that the level of depression could be predicted by a set of psychological factors. Both the accuracy of prediction and the list of psychological factors related to the prediction of depression depended on the dominant type of word meaning structure.