Cognitive processes in depression.

Tested hypotheses derived from Beck's cognitive theory of depression using 60 depressed and nondepressed males and females. Ss rated performance before and after they received feedback on a social interaction task. Ss then attempted to recall feedback and explain their post-feedback self-rating. Results showed that depressed males and females had more negative evaluation of present circumstances and poorer memory for feedback. Further, depressed males lowered their self-evaluation after feedback significantly more than did nondepressed males. Results with regard to differential response to neutral and positive feedback were not found because Ss apparently perceived all levels of feedback as somewhat negative. Data were partially supportive of Beck's cognitive theory of depression, especially with regard to males.