Specificity and Generality of Motivational Components in Depression: A Personal Projects Analysis

Len Lecci, Paul Karoly, Catherine Briggs, Keith Kuhn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Scopus citations

Abstract

Features of depression, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were distinguished from anxiety, as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and were explored from a goals perspective using the Personal Projects Analysis methodology (B.R. Little, 1983). Depression and anxiety were found to reflect a "negative" appraisal pattern characterized by goals rated high in stress and difficulty, and low in structure, control, perceived skill, and positive outcome expectancy. Depression also revealed distinctive features not found in anxiety (e.g., goals that are perceived as being less visible to important others). A goal-based approach to research and diagnosis is presented, and implications for future research are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)404-408
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology
Volume103
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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