According to the cognitive view, the individual's negative and distorted
thinking is the basic psychological problem in the depressive syndrome. The
distorted cognitions are supported by maladaptive cognitive schemata, which
involve immature "either-or" rules of conduct or inflexible and
unattainable self-expectations. These schemata are probably acquired early
in development and, if uncritically carried into adulthood, serve to
predispose the individual to depression. Since these schemata are long-term
identifiable psychological patterns that influence attitude and behavioral
responses, they may constitute a cognitive dimension of the
depression-prone individual's personality. The authors discuss the
treatment implications of the cognitive approach to depression.Abstract Teaser