Beneficial effects of training in self-distancing and perspective broadening for people with a history of recurrent depression

Abstract

Cognitive training designed to recalibrate maladaptive aspects of cognitiveaffective processing associated with the presence of emotional disorder can deliver clinical benefits. This study examined the ability of an integrated training in selfdistancing and perspective broadening (SD-PB) with respect to distressing experiences to deliver such benefits in individuals with a history of recurrent depression (>3 prior episodes), currently in remission. Relative to an overcoming avoidance (OA) control condition, SD-PB: a) reduced distress to upsetting memories and to newly encountered events, both during training when explicitly instructed to apply SD-PB techniques, and after-training in the absence of explicit instructions; b) enhanced capacity to self-distance from and broaden perspectives on participants’ experiences; c) reduced residual symptoms of depression. These data provide initial support for SD-PB as a low-intensity cognitive training providing a spectrum of cognitive and affective benefits for those with recurrent depression who are at elevated risk of future episodes.