Cognitive Etiology of Major Depressive Disorder Xandra Xiao Anna Goncharova

At the cognitive level of analysis: – Depressed cognitions – Cognitive distortions – Irrational beliefs Can result in disturbances of the mood. They are contributing factors, not the sole causes.

Cognitive style theory Ellis (1962) states that psychological disturbances come from having irrational expectations and beliefs “My work must be perfect”  “I did not do well on my last test”  “Therefore I am stupid”

Theory based on schema Beck (1976) claimed that depression comes form schema processing where schemas and self-perception interfere with information processing. Theorized the idea of a “triad”: 1.Overgeneralization 2.Non logical inference 3.Dichotomous

Supporters of the idea that cognition and depression are linked. Blackburn (1988) showed that depressed people had disturbed thought processes Frude (1998) used a prospective study to support the claim. Alloy et al. (1999) longitudinal study

Counter-claims Studies only show correlational relation not causational relationship Implications: CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) tries to change patient’s thinking style.