Cognitive theory of depression posited that maladaptive cognitive processing and negative thoughts contents are core characteristics of a depressed individual. Cognitions about the self are important cognitive schemas because they reflect the way people conceive and experience themselves. When these cognitions are negative, they can produce "depressed mood, withdrawal, and additional negative self-attributions that further reinforce depression" (Teichman, et. al, 2002, p. 141). Teichman, Bar-El, Shor, and Elizur (2002) proposed that since the self-concept schema of an individual encompasses most of his/her experiences, it should be associated with one's level of depression. This study also addressed the interpersonal model of depression (measured by self and spouse ascribed hostility) and the behavioral model (measured by involvement in home activities).
Findings revealed that the recurring association between self-concept and depression level confirms the hypothesis postulated by the cognitive theory of depression, which regards the self-schema as a crucial component of depression (Beck, 1979). Self-concept was negatively and most significantly associated with depression, while lower self-concept was related to higher level of depression.
Involvement in home activities was also a significant predictor of depression for the women in the group. The significant correlation between involvement in home activities and self-concept in this group suggests an important association between these two variables. The same pattern was not found in the group of men. The authors conceptualize that this discrepancy likely reflects social-cultural influences with respect to the different expectations men and women have about fulfilling home chores.
The behavioral
and interpersonal variable of the study contributed with important gender-related
information. The behavioral variable was associated with severity of depression
in women whereas the interpersonal variable indicated that "when men are
depressed, hostile feelings affects spouses' well being while when women
are depressed dysphoric feelings affect spouses' well being" (Teichman
et. al., 2002, p.728). However, the most powerful association was between
the cognitive variable and depression. This provides further evidence of
the applicability of the cognitive model in the conceptualization, diagnosis,
and treatment of related disorders.
Teichman, Y., Bar-El, Z., Shor, H., & Elizur, A. (2002). Cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral predictors of patients' and sposes' depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 1, 000-000.