Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression

The interpersonal theories that try to explain the origin and maintenance of depression are mainly focused on relational aspects, although they also include intrapersonal elements. They are based on the approaches of H.Sullivan, the Palo Alto School and the General Systems Theory. Furthermore, his interest is focused on the development of effective therapies rather than on theoretical models.

In this article we will know Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression, which states that depression begins through a causal chain started by a stressor and that includes variables of various types.

• Related article: "Types of depression: its symptoms, causes and characteristics"

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression: characteristics

Gotlib's (19871, 1992) interpersonal theory of depression is a theory that attempts to explains the origin and maintenance of depression (depressive disorder, according to DSM-5).

It constitutes, along with Coyne's (1976) interpersonal theory of depression, one of the most representative theories of relational theories to explain this disorder. Specifically, it is an interpersonal-cognitive theory, because it also

includes important cognitive elements.

Ian H. Gotlib is an American psychologist, with a PhD in 1981 in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo. He currently works as a professor of psychology at Stanford University and is director of the Stanford Laboratory of Neurodevelopment, Affect, and Psychopathology.

fundamental ideas

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression believes that the key symptom of depression is interpersonal in origin. The key causal mechanism that causes depression consists of a negative interpretation of a stressful event.

On the other hand, they are given a number of psychological factors of diathesis, that is, a series of conditions that predispose to the appearance of depression. These factors are:

• Cognitive schemes negatives.
• Deficit in social and coping skills.

causal chain

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression posits in depression the development of a causal chain initiated by a stressor, whether interpersonal (for example, a sentimental breakup), intrapersonal (for example, low self-esteem) and/or biochemical (decreased serotonin, for example).

The impact of the stressor depends on external factors and the vulnerability of the person. On the other hand, vulnerability is acquired by the person in childhood, through adverse family experiences or negative parenting styles.

The stressors mentioned are subdivided, in turn, into others:

1. interpersonal factors

They relate to the quality and quantity of social support received (but above all, perceived), with cohesion with friends or family and with handling family problems.

2. intrapersonal factors

Intrapersonal stressors, in turn, are divided into two types:

2.1. cognitive factors

They include negative or depressogenic schemes, cognitive distortions, overvalued ideas, etc.

2.2. behavioral factors

include deficits in social skills and coping skills, among others.

Social skills allow us to communicate and relate to others successfully, in addition to allowing us to defend our ideas assertively. Coping skills allow us to manage the things that happen to us (whether due to external or internal factors) in an adaptive way, on an emotional and behavioral level.

• You may be interested in: "Top 10 Psychological Theories"

depression maintenance

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression includes 3 components that explain the fact that depression persists over time:

1. autofocus

Self-focusing consists of process by which we direct our attention to any aspect of ourselves. It includes, for example, our own physical sensations, emotions or thoughts, as well as the goals we set for ourselves. It implies the fact of being aware of internally generated information.

It is just the opposite of directing attention to environmental (external) stimuli and becoming aware of the information from the environment obtained through the senses or sensory receptors.

2. interpersonal factors

Its about poor social skills and maladaptive schemas of the person, added to the response of the environment to their symptomatic behavior (which is usually a negative response and rejection).

This idea is also defended by Coyne (1976) in his interpersonal theory of depression. This author explains that the persistent demands of the depressed person gradually become aversive to others, producing a rejection that confirms the negative vision of oneself (increasing their feeling of dysphoria).

3. Negative cognitive bias

Finally, Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression speaks of negative cognitive biases as factors that maintain depression, since lead to increased sensitivity and attention to negative aspects, as well as a negative (or even catastrophic) interpretation of the situation, causing depression to remain in a kind of “vicious circle”.

Bibliographic references:

• Belloch, A.; Sandin, b. and Ramos, F. (2010). Manual of Psychopathology. Volume I and II. Madrid: McGraw-Hill.
• Perez, f. (2016). Depressive disorders: theories according to science. Exceeds, Clinical Psychology.