This paper explores the relationship between a belief in a just world and depression. Building on the work of Pearlin, Lieberman, Menaghan, and Mullan (1981), we investigate the role that a belief in a just world might play in the relationship between chronic stressors and depression. Using a random sample of noninstitutionalized adult residents (N = 283) of Northern Ireland, we find that a belief in a just world and a sense of mastery are independent cognitive structures, and that a belief in a just world has a significant effect on depression over and above the effect of mastery. Theoretical implications and research questions generated by this effort are discussed.
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