Bridging the Gaps: An Attempt to Integrate Three Major Cognitive Depression Models

Abstract

There are obvious similarities between the cognitive constructs of Beck's cognitive theory, the hopelessness model, and the response styles theory. No single comprehensive model has yet integrated the core cognitive concepts of these theories, however. In order to develop such an integrative cognitive model, we conducted two independent studies with 588 and 606 participants, respectively, from a university population. Both studies support the idea that all cognitive constructs of the three models are distinct from each other. Furthermore, both studies provide evidence for the possibility an integration of the constructs in one cognitive model. If future studies replicate these findings, the integrated cognitive model can provide a theoretical framework to better understand how therapeutic techniques derived from one model influence cognitive variables from another model. This might even allow for improvements in the effectiveness of psychotherapies by theory-driven combinations of therapeutic techniques that are based on different models.

Chronic and treatment-resistant depression

“…Similarities between the models highlight the opportunity to integrate the models into one primary cognitive model of depression (Possel & Knopf, 2011). One study examined the relationship between the primary cognitive constructs of all three models (depressed schemas, stable and global attributional styles and rumination) and confirmed that the constructs were distinct but highly correlated with one another in a student population (Hankin et al, 2007).…”

“…One study examined the relationship between the primary cognitive constructs of all three models (depressed schemas, stable and global attributional styles and rumination) and confirmed that the constructs were distinct but highly correlated with one another in a student population (Hankin et al, 2007). A more recent study by Possel and Knopf (2011) investigated whether the three cognitive models could be integrated using a student population in Germany (N = 588). Like Hankin et al (2007), they found that the primary constructs of all the models were independent but could be integrated based on mediating relationships (Possel & Knopf, 2011).…”

“…The three major cognitive models are Beck's cognitive theory (1976), the hopelessness model (Abramson, Metalsky & Alloy, 1989) and response styles theory (NolenHoeksema, 1991;Possel & Knopf, 2011). All three models share a common theme of "cognitive vulnerability-stress" which attempts to explain why some people develop depression while others do not.…”

“…All three models share a common theme of "cognitive vulnerability-stress" which attempts to explain why some people develop depression while others do not. To put more simply, cognitive vulnerabilities interact with life stressors, activating negative thought processes (Possel & Knopf, 2011). Cognitive models underpin many contemporary psychological therapies for depression including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).…”

“…In likeness to Beck's cognitive theory and the hopelessness model of depression, response style theory suggests that the way in which an individual responds to a depressed mood determines the development, severity and duration of the depression episode (Possel, 2011). There are vast differences in severity and illness duration between individuals who experience depression.…”