Adaptive Function of Depression: Psychotherapeutic Implications

Abstract

Using the frameworks of attachment and social hierarchy theories, strategies seen in depression and in normal life are better understood. A hierarchial encounter elicits the "Involuntary Subordinate Strategy" ("ISS") in the loser, which terminates the "ISS" and brings the encounter to an end. These are psychophysiological mechanisms deeply rooted in our phylogenetic ancestry. Loss of a love object also elicits ineffective anger or rage which may, in turn, trigger the ISS. A prolonged intense ISS manifests in depression. Factors are examined that prevent "acceptance" of losing, thereby contributing to an escalation of the ISS and culminating in depressive illness. Psychotherapeutic implications include cognitive restructuring to enable the patient to explore options that might turn off the ISS such as "acceptance" (without making negative self-evaluations), changing unrealistic ideals and aspirations, leaving the scene, or becoming more self-assertive. Case examples are given to illustrate these interventions.

Is Depression an Adaptation?

“…If they did finally yield, this signaled to the dominant figure that the person was no longer a threat, ended the conflict, and resolved the depression. 43 This theory suggests a possible role for high as well as low mood in negotiating hierarchies 44 and is supported by clinical evidence of episodes of depression precipitated by social competition and resolved by reconciliation. 20, 45 Hartung 46 has suggested a variation in which selfdeception about one's abilities ("deceiving down") lulls superiors into thinking one is no threat.…”

Does Worrying Mean Caring Too Much? Interpersonal Prototypicality of Dimensional Worry Controlling for Social Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms

“…Hypotheses were based on models of the adaptive functions of depression (Carvalho et al, 2013;Nesse, 2000;Sloman, Price, Gilbert, & Gardner, 1994), which theorize that in social environments where individuals cannot successfully compete with dominant others, depressive anhedonia reduces energy expenditure toward dominant behaviors (e.g., assertiveness, sexual behavior, goal pursuit) and affiliation (social approach). In line with these models, depressive symptoms predict fewer affiliative-dominant behaviors such as eye-contact, facial expression, and language production (see Segrin, 2011).…”

Life satisfaction and status among adolescent law offenders

“…This type of feeling is captured by the concept sense of defeat introduced and operationalised by Gilbert and his colleagues (e.g. Sloman et al, ; Gilbert & Allan, ), and implies that no escape is felt to be possible and that the state of mind is of ‘giving up’ (e.g. Buunk & Brenninkmeyer, ).…”