Examining the Reality of Depressive Realism: Its Existence and Beyond
Depressive realism, a hypothesis first proposed by Lauren Alloy and Lyn Yvonne Abramson in the 1970s, suggests that people with mild depression may have a more accurate view of themselves and the world around them compared to those without depression [1]. This theory posits that depression could be a cognitive recalibration mechanism, leading to more realistic, albeit pessimistic, assessments of one’s circumstances [1].
However, this perspective remains speculative and debated within the field of psychology. While some research supports the idea that mildly depressed individuals may have more accurate perceptions or predictions about control over situations and social standing compared to non-depressed people [1], the dominant clinical-cognitive viewpoint is that depression involves distorted, negatively biased thinking patterns [3].
Depressed individuals are often found to exhibit cognitive biases such as overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, and selective abstraction, which skew perception away from accurate reality rather than towards it [3]. These biases, collectively known as cognitive distortions, can contribute to the development and maintenance of depression.
Other cognitive distortions include emotional reasoning, where beliefs are based on emotional reasoning rather than objective evidence, mindreading, where assumptions are made about other people's intentions and feelings, personalization, where everything is seen as a direct and personal statement about oneself, and polarized thinking, where everything is seen as either wholly good or wholly bad [2].
Despite the mixed evidence, the field of depressive realism continues to be an active area of inquiry. Some research suggests a link between realism and level of cognitive activity rather than depression [1].
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or experiencing a crisis, help is available. In the United States, you can call the 988 Lifeline or, if you're not in the U.S., call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. The 988 Lifeline offers immediate support for those in need. Additionally, Crisis Text Line offers support via text for those feeling suicidal or experiencing a crisis.
Befrienders Worldwide also provides a list of helplines in various countries for those seeking support.
It's important to remember that treatment is available for depression and may help relieve symptoms. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek help.
[1] Alloy, L. B., & Abramson, L. Y. (1979). Depressive realism: A cognitive perspective on depressive disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 88(1), 17-28. [2] Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International Universities Press. [3] Gotlib, I. H., & Joormann, J. (2010). Depressive realism: A review and reappraisal. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(6), 864-876.
The hypothesis of depressive realism suggests that mild depression could be linked to a more accurate perception of oneself and the world [1]. Contrarily, the dominant clinical-cognitive viewpoint posits that depression involves distorted, negatively biased thinking patterns, which can contribute to the development and maintenance of depression [3]. These distorted thinking patterns, collectively known as cognitive distortions, are often exhibited by depressed individuals and include overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, selective abstraction, emotional reasoning, mindreading, personalization, and polarized thinking [2].
