Social Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression and Anxiety

Question 1

This chapter differentiates between distal factors and proximal factors that create vulnerabilities to depression and anxiety. Describe each.

Answer 1

Distal factors are more trait-like dispositional characteristics to respond to stressful situations in maladaptive ways. These include dysfunctional attitudes, depressive thinking styles, habitual dysfunctional ways of coping or responding to others

Proximal factors are more immediate or situation-based thought processes or behaviors that occur very close to, or during, episodes of pathological emotional states. So, you may pay increased attention to possible signs of rejection after a breakup or a job loss.

Proximal factors emerge after distal factors become triggered by stressful events

Question 2

This chapter describes hopelessness theory and cognitive theory as explanations for depression. Explain each.

Answer 2

The hopelessness theory states that states that people are more likely to become depressed if they blame unpleasant events on internal, stable, and global causes. Individuals perceive themselves as unworthy or flawed making them vulnerable to hopelessness when undesirable events occur.

The cognitive theory states that negative self-schemas revolve around themes of failure, loss, inadequacy, and worthlessness establish a cognitive vulnerability to depression. Negative schemas are often represented as a set of dysfunctional attitudes, such as that one’s worth depends on being perfect or on other’s approval. Negative schemas -> negative life event that impinges on beliefs -> develop negatively based construal of the self, world, and future (hopelessness) -> depression

Question 3

According to this chapter, what is “looming cognitive style?”

Answer 3

The looming cognitive style (LCS) is characterized by a distinctive cognitive phenomenology and tendency to construct mental scenarios and appraisals of unfolding threat and increasing danger. Research shows that the LCS functions as a danger schema and is related to worry and anxiety but not depression.