Behavior Theory of Depression May 26, 2011 Candace Mills Paul Felker Temple University - Harrisburg

Carvalho, J. P., & Hopko, D. R. (2011). Behavioral theory of depression: reinforcement as a mediating variable avoidance and depression. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry,42 (2), 154-162. This article talks about behavioral conceptualizations of depression and how behavior aimed at escaping or avoiding stimuli leads to a pattern of passivity and withdrawal that reduces the frequency of positively reinforced behavior. This can produce, sustain, or worsen depressive symptoms. It states that there is a relationship between avoidance and depression that is large explained by the mediating role of reduced positive reinforcement. The behavioral conceptualization theory is a large referenced model of depression that has received minimal empirical scrutiny. Significant evidence links depression to avoidance and reduced responsivecontingent positive reinforcement, but there had been no studies as yet that has directly investigated the mediating role of reinforcement. This study was done specifically to test this model (Ferster, 1973; Lewinsohn, 1974; Manos, Kanter, & Busch, 2010; Martell et al., 2001). Evidence that links avoidance and depression generally comes from coping literature. Avoidance coping consists of taking attention away from internal or external stimuli to manage, reduce, or eliminate stress, and can be either a cognitive or behavioral process (Cronkite & Moos, 1995). Types of cognitive coping consists of denying, minimizing, or passive decisions, while behavioral avoidance coping occurs when a problem is avoided through participation in alternative activities or by using maladaptive behaviors, i.e., gambling, drinking, or substance abuse. Increased depression may result in escape and avoidance coping strategies to reduce stress. The results of this study show that total cognitive and behavioral avoidance were positively related to depression severity. Findings provide important support for behavioral conceptualizations of depression and thus support the rationale and strategies of behavioral

avoidance treatment. Behavioral avoidance considers avoidance behaviors instrumental in creating a depression-inducing environment (Manos et al., 2010; Martell et al., 2001). Barlow and Durand stated that people become anxious and depressed when they decide, or make an attribution, that they have no control over the stress in their lives (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978). These findings evolved into an important model called the learned helplessness theory of depression. Depression may follow marked hopelessness about coping with difficult life events and the depressive attribution style is internal in that the individual attributes negative event to personal failings. These findings do correspond with the study above that states avoidance leads to increased depression. The text also states that some of the core symptoms of depression include the inability to experience pleasure, which to me corresponds with hopelessness, and a depressive slowing of motor and cognitive functions until extreme labor and effort is needed. It goes on to say that cognitive content is also usually more negative in depressed individuals.