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I think there's a certain misunderstanding about what depression is, here.

Being Emo does not automatically mean you're depressed. Even if you show every negative Emo stereotype there is (whinging, writing bad poetry, claiming that you're totally miserable), it's not necessarily a sign of depression.

Most depressed people do not advertise the fact. They are ashamed of their condition and go to great lengths to hide it. If they 'cut' or otherwise damage themselves, they will put the scars in places that can be easily hidden. If they feel miserable, they will not talk about it except to their closest friends; the last thing they want is to cause a scene, because they don't feel they deserve any sympathy.

While not all goths are depressed, some most definitely are. You'll find the same percent of depressed people in practially every subculture. It's a physical disability and doesn't affect personal taste that much. Hell, I've known some seriously depressed scenesters and preppies in my time.

Personally? I am a depressed goth. I'm not ashamed to admit it, because long years of treatment have taught me that this problem is not willfull attention seeking and is not morally reprehensible. But you couldn't tell I have it if you met me. It's possible to be an optimistic person even if you have depression, because when the desease is not attacking you, you're as lucid and 'normal' as anyone else.

I do believe that is a major factor in it, yes. Though, I should make the distinction that it's not so much complacency like a cow accepting it's trip to the slaughterhouse, but an understanding in the functions of the world like an intricate clock and how one thing wll lead to another.

I'd like to read that study...

"Goths are simply art lovers, who aspire to middle-class values... Goths are likely to grow up to be doctors, lawyers or architects, the study by Sussex University says.

They are refined and sensitive, keen on poetry and books, not big on drugs or anti-social behaviour. They are also likely to carry on being goths into their adult life.

They have an ability to express their feelings and are believers in romance rather than one-night stands, it says. In fact, the only things dark about them are their clothing and their sarcastic sense of humour."