Gotlib’s interpersonal theory of depression.

A theory that expresses the possible origin of depression, as well as the way in which it is maintained.

Interpersonal theories that attempt to explain the origin and maintenance of depression focus primarily on relational aspects, although they also include intrapersonal elements. They are based on the approaches of H. Sullivan, the Palo Alto School and the General Systems Theory. Moreover, their interest is focused on the development of effective therapies rather than on theoretical models.

In this article we will learn about Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depressionwhich states that depression is initiated through a causal chain started by a stressor and that includes variables of different types.

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression: characteristics.

Gotlib's (1987-1981, 1992) interpersonal theory of depression is a theory which attempts to explains the origin and maintenance of depression (depressive disorder, according to the DSM-5).

It constitutes, together with Coyne's (1976) interpersonal theory of depression, one of the most representative theories of relational theories to explain this disorder. Specifically, it is an interpersonal-cognitive theory, because it also includes important cognitive elements. includes important cognitive elements.

Ian H. Gotlib is an American psychologist, who received his PhD in 1981 in Clinical Psychology from the University of Waterloo. He currently works as a professor of psychology at Stanford University and is director of the Stanford Laboratory for Neurodevelopment, Affect and Psychopathology.

Fundamental ideas

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression considers the key symptom of depression to be interpersonal in origin.. The key causal mechanism that causes depression is a negative interpretation of a stressor event.

On the other hand, there are a series of psychological factors of diathesis, i.e., a series of conditions predisposing to the onset of depression.that is, a series of conditions that predispose to the onset of depression. These factors are:

• Negative cognitive schemas.
• Deficits in social and coping skills.

Causal chain

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression proposes the development of a causal chain in depression initiated by a stressorThe impact of the stressor depends on the type of stressor, whether interpersonal (e.g. a sentimental breakup), intrapersonal (e.g. low self-esteem) and/or biochemical (e.g. serotonin depletion).

The impact of the stressor depends on external factors and the vulnerability of the person. On the other hand, the vulnerability is acquired by the person in childhood.through adverse family experiences or negative parenting styles.

The aforementioned stressors are further subdivided into other stressors:

1. interpersonal factors.

These are related to the quality and quantity of social support received (but above all, perceived), cohesion with friends or relatives and the handling of family problems.

Intrapersonal factors

Intrapersonal stressors, in turn, are divided into two types:

2.1. Cognitive factors.

These include negative or depressogenic schemas, cognitive distortions and cognitive distortionsovervalued ideas, etc.

2.2. Behavioral factors

Include deficits in social skills and coping skills, among others.among others.

Social skills allow us to communicate and relate to others successfully, as well as allowing us to defend our ideas assertively. Coping skills allow us to manage the things that happen to us (whether due to external or internal factors) in an adaptive, emotional and behavioral way.

Maintenance of depression

Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression includes 3 components that explain why depression is maintained over time:

1. self-focusing 2.

Self-focus consists of the process by which we direct our attention on any aspect of ourselves .. It includes, for example, our own physical sensations, emotions or thoughts, as well as the goals we set for ourselves. It involves being aware of internally generated information.

It is just the opposite of directing attention to environmental (external) stimuli and becoming aware of the information from the environment obtained through the senses or sensory receptors.

2. Interpersonal factors

These consist of deficient social skills and maladaptive schemas of the person, coupled with the response of the environment.The interpersonal factors consist of the person's deficient social skills and maladaptive schemas, together with the response of the environment to his or her symptomatic behavior (which is usually a negative and rejecting response).

This idea is also advocated by Coyne (1976) in his interpersonal theory of depression. This author explains that the persistent demands of the depressive person gradually become aversive to others, producing a rejection that confirms the negative view of oneself (increasing the feeling of dysphoria).

3. Negative cognitive bias

Finally, Gotlib's interpersonal theory of depression speaks of negative cognitive biases as maintaining factors of depression, as they an increased sensitivity and attention to negative aspects, as well as a negative (or even catastrophic) interpretation of the situation., as well as a negative (or even catastrophic) interpretation of the situation, causing depression to be maintained in a kind of "vicious circle".

Bibliographical references:

• Belloch, A.; Sandín, B. and Ramos, F. (2010). Manual de Psicopatología. Volume I and II. Madrid: McGraw-Hill.
• Pérez, F. (2016). Depressive disorders: theories according to science. Supera, Clinical Psychology.