SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING IN DEPRESSION

The theoretical concept of problem-solving in depression is described, with the aim to outline cognitive operations of the problem-solving process and the way in which depressives' problem-solving may fail. Empirical studies including analogue depressives and clinically depressed patients are reviewed, and the problem-solving deficit in depressives is specified. Although the cause/effect relation of problem-solving deficit in depression is yet unclear, problem-solving therapy has been successful in the treatment of depression. Conceptual aspects of the problem-solving model are investigated and issues for future research outlined.