Bridging the gap between cognitive and interpersonal variables in depression

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCognitive and interpersonal variables are often understood to be related to the etiology and maintenance of major depression. However, few studies have examined the relationship between these two constructs.AimThis study examined the association between cognitive errors (CEs) most commonly endorsed among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and their interpersonal functioning.MethodThese processes were examined early in psychotherapy and at the end of 20 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. Therapy transcripts of 42 clients with MDD were rated for CEs using the Cognitive Error Rating Scale (CERS: Drapeau, Perry & Dunkley, 2008) and for interpersonal behaviors using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB: Benjamin & Cushing, 2000).FindingsResults of this study revealed significant associations between CEs and interpersonal behaviors early in treatment and at the end of treatment. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of improving psychotherapy process and outcome.