Gender differences in depression in children as a function of motivational orientation

Based on previous theoretical and empirical analyses, the present study examined two hypotheses. First, we hypothesized that children who have an extrinsic motivational orientation, i.e., children who perform schoolwork for approval or fear of evaluation, would be more depressed than intrinsics, who are generally more interested in learning and exhibit the desire to obtain mastery over challenge. Second, based on data showing that girls are more likely to be extrinsic than boys, we hypothesized that girls would also be more depressed than their male counterparts. The data proved strong support for the hypotheses. In our discussion, we highlight the need for further research to examine the causal relation among motivational orientation, gender, and depression to develop social-developmental theories and clinical interventions for depressed, extrinsic girls and boys.