Evaluate one study into cognitive causes or treatments for depression. - Scottish Highers Psychology - Question 2(a) - 2019

One notable study into cognitive causes of depression is Alloy et al. (1999). This research explored the effects of negative thinking styles on individuals and how these could trigger feelings of distress.

Strengths:
The study utilized a questionnaire that allowed researchers to gather quantifiable data regarding participants' thinking styles, providing a clear method for assessing cognitive patterns associated with depression. The findings suggested a strong link between negative cognition and increased vulnerability to depressive symptoms, effectively highlighting the cognitive aspect of depression.

Weaknesses:
However, there are limitations to consider. The questionnaire measuring negative thinking styles relied on self-reported data, which can introduce bias as participants may not accurately assess their own thoughts or feelings. Additionally, the study did not control for extraneous variables that could influence the participants’ mental state, such as environmental or social factors, which means that causality cannot be firmly established. Thus, the results may lack validity as they do not account for other contributing factors to depression.