The relationship between cognitive structure and symptoms of depression in the elderly

Abstract

In the present study, 50 elderly persons living in a home for the aged were asked in a brief interview a number of questions regarding their depressive symptoms and the strategies used to cope with depression. During the interview the Beck Depression Inventory, the Automatic Thought Questionnaire, and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale were administered. Results indicate that depressed elderly report significantly more dysfunctional attitudes and negative cognitions than nondepressed elderly individuals. Significant correlations were also found between the self-report measures. Responses from the open-ended questions were subjected to content analysis and frequency counts. Although the type of strategies reported in coping with depression by depressed and nondepressed did not differ, significant differences were found between groups in the use of these strategies. Depressed elderly reported using these techniques less often and with less success than nondepressed elderly. Implications for clinical assessment and treatment of depression are discussed.