Developing Perspectives on the Cognitive–Developmental Origins of Depression: Back Is the Future

摘要

Theory and empirical research assessing the developmental precursors of depression is examined. This theory and research tends to emphasize three sets of variables that may guide the eventual development of depression. The first focuses on the role of interpersonal factors, which tend to revolve around parenting. Although parenting is important, research has also suggested that other interpersonal relations, such as interactions with friends, teachers, and romantic partners, may play a role in creating cognitive vulnerability to depression. The second emphasizes the effects of stressful experiences on the development of cognitive vulnerability. The third set of variables highlight the need to examine the precursors of vulnerability at different stages in the development process. Each of these emphases has contributed important pieces to the puzzle of how depression develops, and we are beginning to develop an emerging picture of the origins of depression.