| dc.description.abstract | Theories of emotion see affective processes as important in guiding behaviour, and social/cognitive theories have implicated cognitive appraisals in a motivational context. The control-value theory combines these approaches, predicting that high levels of expectancy and control lead to associated levels of anticipatory affect in those approaching a goal. This theory, combined with literature on approach motivation in depression, led to the proposed model of the effect of depression on behavioural striving, and subsequent levels of depression. The current study aimed to test this model. Sixty participants completed measures of depression, approach-related affect, cognitive appraisals and striving behaviour in relation to their own personal goals, with follow-up measures of depression and striving behaviour completed two weeks later. They also participated in an experimental manipulation of approach-related cognitive appraisals.
The model received mixed support, with strongest evidence for the proposed pathway from depression to anticipatory affect via cognitive appraisals, especially for those who were at least mildly depressed. However contrary to the model, depression was not found to be associated to striving, and no variables other than depression predicted future depression.
The study was conducted with a non-clinical population, there was reduced power at follow-up, and the experimental manipulation may have been unsuccessful.
This study provided preliminary support for the new model, and although findings were mixed, future research may be more conclusive. Findings suggest that therapy specifically tapping into approach-related cognitive appraisals, as well as approach-related affect, may be therapeutically beneficial in working with depression. | en_GB |
