Cognition and depression

Joan S. Girgus, Susan Nolen-Hoeksema

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cognitive models of depression have been popular over the past four decades (Abramson et al., 2002). Do these cognitive models help to explain why women are more prone to depression than men (cf. Nolen-Hoeksema, 2002)? In this chapter, we will address this question, examining each of four broad categories of cognitive variables that have been proposed as predisposing factors for depression. The first of these is the self-concept or the characteristic ways that people think about themselves. The second is interpersonal orientation or the characteristic ways that people think about their relationships with others. The third is cognitive style or the characteristic ways that people think about the things that happen to them and about what the future is likely to bring. The fourth is coping style or the characteristic ways that people deal with the stressful things that happen to them or with their depressed feelings. Unfortunately, most of the research on the relationship between cognition and depression is concurrent in nature. That is, the measures of the cognitive variables and depression variables were administered at the same time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWomen and Depression
Subtitle of host publicationA Handbook for the Social, Behavioral, and Biomedical Sciences
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages147-175
Number of pages29
ISBN (Electronic)9780511841262
ISBN (Print)0521831571, 9780521831574
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Psychology(all)

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