Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Psychological factors for the onset of depression: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Zhongfang Fu1, Marlies Brouwer1, Mitzy Kennis2
1Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Objectives:
A comprehensive overview of the evidence for factors derived from leading psychological theories of the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) that underpin psychological interventions is scarce . We aimed to systematically investigate the prospective evidence for factors derived from the behavioural, cognitive, diathesis-stress, psychodynamic and personality-based theories for the first onset of MDD.
Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
Databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Embase and published articles were systematically searched from inception up to August 2019. Prospective, longitudinal studies that investigated theory-derived factors before the first onset of MDD, established by a clinical interview, were included. Screening, selection and data extraction of articles were conducted by two screeners. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria were used to estimate level of confidence and risk of bias. Meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models and mixed-method subgroup analyses.
Primary And Secondary Outcome Measures:
Effect size of a factor predicting the onset of MDD (OR, risk ratio or HR).
Results:
From 42 133 original records published to August 2019, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were only available for the cognitive (n=6585) and personality-based (n=14 394) theories. Factors derived from cognitive theories and personality-based theories were related to increased odds of MDD onset (pooled OR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.12 to 4.00; pooled OR=2.43, 95% CI: 1.41 to 4.19). Publication bias and considerable heterogeneity were observed.
Conclusion:
There is some evidence that factors derived from cognitive and personality-based theories indeed predict the onset of MDD (ie, dysfunctional attitudes and negative emotionality). There were no studies that prospectively studied factors derived from psychodynamic theories and not enough studies to examine the robust evidence for behavioural and diathesis-stress theories. Overall, the prospective evidence for psychological factors of MDD is limited, and more research on the leading psychological theories is needed.
Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42017073975.
More Related Videos
06:55An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
Published on: December 2, 2015
08:42Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:18Depression: Overview
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...