A comparison of classmate and self-evaluation of dysphoric and nondysphoric Chinese students

Forty dysphoric and thirty-nine nondysphoric Chinese college students participated in this study. Subjects completed forms on performance standard setting, self-evaluation, and self-perceived efficacy for their academic performance and social skills. Two classmates of each subject were asked to appraise the subject's level of academic performance, social skills, and academic efficacy. The results showed that although there was no difference between the standards the subjects set for themselves in the two groups, dysphorics showed lower self-evaluation, and self-perceived efficacy than nondysphorics. In comparison with their classmates' appraisals, dysphorics rated themselves lower both on their academic performance and social skills, whereas their efficacy judgements coincided with their classmates' appraisals. The findings suggest that depressed people are sadder but not wiser when self-evaluation and self-efficacy are taken into consideration.