A behavioral approach to the treatment of depression

Abstract

Depression is viewed largely as a disorder in which attempts to control one's interpersonal environment have failed. Twenty depressed outpatients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Treatment for the experimental group consisted of: (1) training in social learning principles; (2) immediate feedback as to the perception of verbal interactions between patient and spouse; and (3) training in the construction and use of reciprocal behavioral contracts. Treatment for the comparison group varied as a function of the treatment agency (i.e. psychiatrist, general practitioner, social work agency etc.), but usually involved either medication, group therapy, individual psychotherapy, or some combination of these. Results showed a significant change in problematic behaviors, in Depression Adjective Checklist scores and in the verbal communication style of the experimental group, but not in the comparison group.