Depression and Cognitive Dissonance: an empirical exploration of a close relationship
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2023Access:
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Byrne, M., Higgins, A. & de Vries, J., Depression and Cognitive Dissonance: an empirical exploration of a close relationship, Contemporary Research in Social Psychology, 1, 1, 2023, 59 - 78Download Item:
Abstract:
This qualitative study seeks to establish whether dissonance theory provides a meaningful
avenue to add insights into the experience of depression. Semi-structured interviews were
used (n=30) in which fifteen participants with a diagnosis of depression (DD) were
compared with an equal size group with no experience of depression (ND). Responses to a
depression scale (CESD-10) confirmed a significant difference in depression scores between
groups. The interviews were analyzed using template analysis. Findings showed that in
comparison with the non-depressed group, participants with depression reported more
incisive dissonance inducing life events, more prolonged unresolved dissonance, less
variation in cognitive efforts to reduce dissonance, and more rumination. It was concluded
that dissonance theory provides an explanatory model for depression experiences and could
inform further development of interventions. With little research reported to date, both
quantitative and qualitative research are needed.
Author's Homepage:
http://people.tcd.ie/devriejhttp://people.tcd.ie/ahiggins
Author: De Vries, Jan; Higgins, Agnes
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Journal ArticleSeries/Report no:
Contemporary Research in Social Psychology;1;
1;
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Mental health promotion , cognitive dissonanceMetadata
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