Perfectionism, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Dysfunctional Beliefs, and Automatic Thoughts

Abstract

Although research suggests increased neuroticism, perfectionism, interpersonal sensitivity, dysfunctional beliefs, and automatic thoughts during the symptomatic phase of depression, the research on temporal stability of these factors showed mixed results. The present study examined personality and cognitive factors in patients remitted from depression. Thirty-five patients remitted from depression, sixty-six currently depressed patients, and eighty-five nonclinical participants were assessed on the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS-F), Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure (IPSM), Eysenck's Personality Inventory (EPI), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and Automatic Thoughts Questionnaires (AT Q-Positive & AT Q-Negative). Timidity, fragile inner-self, personal standards, and parental criticism were identified as source level factors in depression. Patients in remission reported highest social desirability, need for organization, and frequency of positive automatic thoughts. Results from the Discriminant Functional Analysis (DFA) indicated that higher scores on positive automatic thoughts and social desirability discriminated the remitted group from the currently depressed and normal sample. The findings highlight the importance of specific dimensions of personality as significant source level factors in depression. The role of specific dimensions of personality and cognitive factors that may aid in remission and maintenance of gains is also emphasized. The cultural influence on some of the variables is discussed. Results are discussed with respect to their implications for psychological interventions and research.