Negative Thinking and Depression

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There are several current theories about the cause of depression. Some people appear to be hereditarily predisposed to depression if they encounter problems in their lives. For at least some people, chemical imbalances in their brain may set off a depressed mood. There is some indication that hormonal levels and their changes through the menstrual cycle may affect depression. For these reasons, if symptoms of depression occur, a first step is to check with a physician for possible biological causes.

A more widely accepted theory is that "distorted" thinking is a major cause of depression. Even if some of the biological reasons referred to above exist, interpretations and other thought processes are contributors to depression. Scholars and therapists such as Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis say mood is determined by the way individuals think about their own experience. If people choose to think of unpleasant things, they will experience unpleasant emotional responses or moods. Psychologists generally believe people who develop depression have a characteristic pattern of thought toward life that centrally emphasizes a low opinion of themselves. They consistently are preoccupied with criticizing themselves. They exaggerate ideas of their duty and responsibility. These thought processes and their bias against themselves is believed to stem from early losses in life and have now become habitual.

Distorted thinking is further characterized by a tendency to draw personal, negative conclusions from a situation that really is neutral and impersonal. They may base an overall conclusion on a single event. They concentrate on one aspect of a situation taken out of context and made the focus of excessive attention. They exaggerate difficulties and limitations and minimize achievements and capacities.

Treatment is based on the theory that if persons can learn erroneous, self-defeating notions that lead to depression, they are capable of unlearning them as well.

Ronald Pitzer
Family Sociologist

Originally published in May 1985

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

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