According to the self-regulatory perseveration theory of depression,a person is most likely to perseverate on an unattainable goal:

A) if they are low in trait self-consciousness.
B) if they have many important goals.
C) if that goal was central to their self-esteem.
D) under conditions of low self-awareness.

According to the self-regulatory perseveration theory of depression, individuals are more likely to perseverate on unattainable goals if those goals are central to their self-esteem. This is because failure to achieve such a goal can threaten one's sense of self-worth, leading to rumination and ultimately depression. Factors such as trait self-consciousness, number of goals, and self-awareness may also play a role, but having a goal that is tied to one's self-esteem is the most significant predictor of perseveration.