Interpersonal processes (G12)

Question 1

Which of these models explains the chronic nature of depression?

a. Cognitive-Affective Crossfire Model
b. Integrative Interpersonal Framework for Depression
c. Global Enhancement and Specific Verification Theory

Answer 1

b. Integrative Interpersonal Framework for Depression

Question 2

Explain in what way the communication behavior of depressed individuals differs from the communication behavior of non-depressed individuals, as noted in Hames et al. (2013).

Answer 2

Depressed individuals use more animated facial expressions to express sadness, engage in less eye contact, hold their head downward and engage in more self-touching (e.g. scratching). Furthermore, they use fewer gestures, speak more slowly and with less volume and voice modulation. Depressed individuals are more negative in their chosen topics of conversation and self-disclose negative feelings without solicitation, at potentially socially inappropriate times.

Question 3

In an experiment with social anxiety patients, their openness and desire for future contact for them was measured in two different situations. The first situation was in a waiting room, where interaction with another person was voluntary and the second was in the lab, where interaction was forced. What were the outcomes of the study?

a. The participants with social anxiety were rated much higher on openness and desire for future contact in the lab situation than in the waiting room situation.
b. In both situations, the participants with social anxiety were rated almost equally low on openness and desire for future contact.
c. The participants with social anxiety were rated much higher on openness and desire for future contact in the waiting room situation than in the lab situation.

Answer 3

a. The participants with social anxiety were rated much higher on openness and desire for future contact in the lab situation than in the waiting room situation.

Question 4

Explain the interpersonal model for depression introduced by Coyne.

Answer 4

low mood/dysphoria –> seeking reassurance from others –> attempt to cheer up not succeeding –> reassurance –> subtle rejection from others –> increased need for reassurance –> open rejection. Vicious circle- more reassurance seeking leads to more rejection reinforcing dysphoria

Question 5

What are Gilbert’s systems that humans and animals have?

a. trust in others, trust in self, mistrust in self or others
b. security system, preoccupation system, dismissing system
c. soothing system, drive system, threat system

Answer 5

c. soothing system, drive system, threat system

Question 6

What is excessive reassurance seeking (ERS) and negative feedback seeking (NFS) in people with depression? And can it lead to an increase in depressive symptoms?

Answer 6

ERS: tendency to excessively and persistently seek assurance from others that they are lovable and worthy, even when assurance was already given
NFS: tendency to actively solicit criticism and other negative interpersonal feedback from others
WHY?: Interpersonal theory of depression: ERS and NFS are aversive to conversational partners and can lead to interpersonal rejection, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy and increase in depressive symptoms.