Introduction: This study examined a cognitive model of depression among undergraduate students of
medical and allied health sciences. Methods: Participants (N = 279) completed a series of questionnaires related to depression (Beck Depression Inventory-Malay), negative cognitions (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay), dysfunctional attitude (Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Malay), stressful life events (Life Events Survey), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy) and quality of life (WHO Quality of Life- BREF). Results: Results of descriptive analysis revealed a higher percentage of severe depression among males when compared to female students. Results of structural equation modeling indicated an adequate fit of the model ( 2= 21.29, df = 15, p > .13; GFI = 0.97; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = .04).
Conclusion: The findings also indicated the potential roles of self-efficacy in mediating depression.
The results are discussed in terms of self-regulating strategies of managing depression and the roles that university authorities may play in helping students to regulate depression.