정당한 세상에 대한 믿음이대학생의 우울에 미치는 영향에서낙관성과 인지적 유연성의 매개효과

This study investigated the mediating effects of optimism and cognitive flexibility in the relationship between beliefs in a just world and depression. A total of 227 students from 3 different universities participated in the survey. Data analysis was conducted, using SPSS 23.0 and SPSS Macro. The results of the current study are as follows: First, beliefs in a just world was negatively related to depression, whereas, was positively related to optimism and cognitive flexibility. Optimism and cognitive flexibility had a positive relation each other. Second, both optimism and cognitive flexibility partially meditated the relationship between beliefs in a just world and depression. this indicated that university students with stronger beliefs in a just world would have higher levels of optimism and cognitive flexibility, which, in turn would decrease the levels of depression. Third, dual mediating effect was found, where beliefs in a just world affected students’ optimism positively, which, subsequently had positive effects on cognitive flexibility and finally, decreased levels of depression. Based on the present findings, limitations of this study, as well as, implications for future research and counseling practices were discussed.