Depressives' cognitive appraisal of their mood states

Assessed the self-perceptions with regard to depressive mood states among high depression scoring Ss and non-depressed Ss. Twenty high scorers and 20 low scorers on the MMPI D scale were selected from a larger group and were given three adaptations of the DACL: A present or "Now" version, an ideal-self or "Like to Be" version, and a new "Deserve to Be" form of instructions. Results showed significant differences between the two groups on the "Now" and the "Deserve to "Be" adaptations of the DACL, but not on the "Like to Be" adaptation. Results were discussed in terms of the cognitive theory of depression.