Mapping Dynamic Interactions Among Cognitive Biases in Depression

Jonas Everaert, Amit Bernstein, Jutta Joormann, Ernst H.W. Koster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Depression is theorized to be caused in part by biased cognitive processing of emotional information. Yet, prior research has adopted a reductionist approach that does not characterize how biases in cognitive processes such as attention and memory work together to confer risk for this complex multifactorial disorder. Grounded in affective and cognitive science, we highlight four mechanisms to understand how attention biases, working memory difficulties, and long-term memory biases interact and contribute to depression. We review evidence for each mechanism and highlight time- and context-dependent dynamics. We outline methodological considerations and recommendations for research in this area. We conclude with directions to advance the understanding of depression risk, cognitive training interventions, and transdiagnostic properties of cognitive biases and their interactions.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)93-110
Number of pages18
JournalEmotion Review
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2020

Keywords

  • attention
  • cognitive biases
  • depression
  • executive control
  • long-term memory
  • working memory

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Social Psychology
  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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