Studying the role of cognition in depression: Well-trodden paths and cul-de-sacs

In their commentary on our earlier review (Coyne & Gotlib, 1983), Segal and Shaw minimize the problems faced by the cognitive approach to the study of depression. Their repeated references to cognitive processes that are latent and therefore not reported by subjects represent a substantial retreat from empiricism. In general, the notion of schema or schematic processing remains problematic. Published research does not support the existence of an identifiable cognitive vulnerability to depression. Other conceptual, methodological, and empirical difficulties are noted. We argue that the central defect in current cognitive approaches to depression is their inattention to the difficulties faced by depressed persons in their everyday environments, how they cope, and with what consequences.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44332/1/10608_2005_Article_BF01173755.pd

Narcissistic Features in Young Adolescents: Relations to Aggression and Internalizing Symptoms

Recent research and theory suggest narcissistic features contribute to aggression in adults. The present study examined the association of narcissistic features with aggression and internalizing symptoms in 233 students of 5th–8th grade at three inner-city schools. A factor analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory in this sample revealed three factors: Adaptive Narcissism, Exploitativeness, and Exhibitionism. Regression analyses were used to predict the association of these three narcissistic features with self-, teacher-, and peer-reported aggression and self-reported internalizing symptoms. Results indicate narcissistic exploitativeness positively predicted self-reported proactive aggression, and narcissistic exhibitionism positively predicted internalizing symptoms. Narcissism and self-esteem interacted to predict teacher-reported aggression and self-reported internalizing symptoms. Results are discussed in the context of existing theories of narcissism, threatened egotism, and self-perception bias.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45298/1/10964_2004_Article_485227.pd

Proximal antecedents and correlates of adopted error approach: A self-regulatory perspective

The current study aims to further investigate earlier established advantages of an error mastery approach over an error aversion approach. The two main purposes of the study relate to (1) self-regulatory traits (i.e., goal orientation and action-state orientation) that may predict which error approach (mastery or aversion) is adopted, and (2) proximal, psychological processes (i.e., self-focused attention and failure attribution) that relate to adopted error approach. In the current study participants’ goal orientation and action-state orientation were assessed, after which they worked on an error-prone task. Results show that learning goal orientation related to error mastery, while state orientation related to error aversion. Under a mastery approach, error occurrence did not result in cognitive resources "wasted" on self-consciousness. Rather, attention went to internal-unstable, thus controllable, improvement oriented causes of error. Participants that had adopted an aversion approach, in contrast, experienced heightened self-consciousness and attributed failure to internal-stable or external causes. These results imply that when working on an error-prone task, people should be stimulated to take on a mastery rather than an aversion approach towards errors