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A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

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Published on: February 22, 2018

Depressive realism: a meta-analytic review.

Michael T Moore¹, David M Fresco

¹Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA. mtmoore@bu.edu

Clinical Psychology Review

|June 22, 2012

Summary

This meta-analysis found a small depressive realism effect. Both depressed and non-depressed individuals show a positive bias in thinking, with non-depressed individuals exhibiting a larger bias.

Area of Science:

Psychology
Cognitive Science

Background:

Depressive realism is a theory suggesting depressed individuals have a more accurate perception of reality.
Previous research on this topic has yielded mixed results.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct the first meta-analysis of depressive realism studies.
To examine the overall effect size and identify potential moderators.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive literature search identified 75 studies with 7305 participants.
Meta-analytic techniques were used to synthesize findings.
Moderator analyses explored variables like objective reality standards and depression measurement methods.

Main Results:

A small overall depressive realism effect was found (Cohen's d = -0.07).

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Both dysphoric/depressed (d = 0.14) and nondysphoric/nondepressed (d = 0.29) individuals showed a positive bias, larger in the latter group.

Studies lacking objective reality standards and those using self-report depression measures were more likely to find depressive realism effects.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest a complex relationship between mood and realism, with a general positive bias in thinking across individuals.
Methodological factors significantly influence the observed depressive realism effect.
Further research should consider these moderators to better understand the phenomenon.