Social Problem-Solving and Depressive Symptom Vulnerability: The Importance of Real-Life Problem-Solving Performance

Anderson, Rachel J.; Goddard, Lorna; Powell, Jane H.

Abstract

Previous research suggests poor social problem-solving may function as a vulnerability factor for depressive symptoms. However, the ecological validity of previous findings is questionable, with recent research using real-life performance based approaches to ascertain how solutions are implemented in the 'real world'. The current study employed a longitudinal design to examine the role of real-life problem-solving as a predictor of future depressive symptoms. Participants completed a diary of the interpersonal problems they encountered, and their attempts to solve them. They also completed traditional measures of social problem-solving (SPSI-R and MEPS task). Real-life problem-solving performance predicted depressive symptoms 3 months after the initial testing session, beyond the variance accounted for by traditional measures of social problem-solving. This suggests that the ability to hypothetically problem-solve is distinct from the ability to generate and implement problem-solving strategies in real-life, and that it is the latter which is most important in predicting depressive symptoms.

Citation

Anderson, R. J., Goddard, L., & Powell, J. H. (2011). Social Problem-Solving and Depressive Symptom Vulnerability: The Importance of Real-Life Problem-Solving Performance. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 35(1), 48-56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-009-9286-2

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 28, 2011
• Online Publication Date: Dec 27, 2009
• Publication Date: 2011-02
• Journal: COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH
• Print ISSN: 0147-5916
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 48-56
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-009-9286-2
• Keywords: Social problem-solving Depression Ecological validity Diary Vulnerability unipolar depression gender-differences college-students stress mood generation appraisal inventory ability
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/405702