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Published on: October 3, 2020
Behavioral theory of depression: reinforcement as a mediating variable between avoidance and depression
John P Carvalho1, Derek R Hopko
1The University of Tennessee, Department of Psychology, Knoxville, TN 37996-0900, USA.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Avoidant behaviors and lack of environmental reward contribute to depression. This study found that environmental reward acts as a mediator between avoidance and depressive symptoms, with some gender differences observed.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Behavioral theory suggests environmental factors and avoidance impact depression.
- Lack of environmental reward and reinforcement may contribute to depressive symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if environmental reward mediates the link between avoidance and depression.
- To explore potential gender differences in this mediation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized self-report and daily diary measures for environmental reward.
- Assessed cognitive, behavioral, and total avoidance.
- Controlled for anxiety in mediation analyses.
Main Results:
- Environmental reward significantly mediated the relationship between avoidance and depression for both self-report and daily diary measures.
- Gender differences emerged: daily diary reward mediated depression with all avoidance types in males, but only cognitive avoidance in females.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcement is a significant mediator between avoidance and depression.
- Avoidance and reinforcement are crucial in behavioral models of depression.
- Findings highlight the importance of environmental reward in understanding and treating depression.
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