Exploring the roles of approach and avoidance in depression: An integrative model

Wanting and liking in dysphoria: Cardiovascular and facial EMG responses during incentive processing

“…We believe that these inconsistencies are due to the different levels of analysis and to a differential response pattern to be discussed later. For now, two elements have to be considered: On the one hand, depression is characterized by avoidance behavior (see Ottenbreit & Dobson, 2004;Trew, 2011, for reviews), which goes along with a preserved motivation to avoid punishments. On the other hand, avoidance behavior in depression is of a passive, maladaptive nature: Indeed, depression is characterized by disengagement (Rottenberg, Gross, & Gotlib, 2005), by hopelessness (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978), and by a strong behavioral inhibition system, which leads to passive avoidance (Fowles, 1994).…”

Avoidance, Vicious Cycles, and Experiential Disconfirmation of Script

“…Avoidance is known to be a contributing/maintaining factor and feature of depression and anxiety disorders (Trew, 2011). For example, the hopelessness, anhedonia, and low mood that characterize depression predispose depressed individuals to avoiding activities, even though doing so results in a reduction of positive stimulus that, in turn, maintains the depression.…”

“…Furthermore, depression triggers a range of problematic interpersonal behaviors such as avoiding socializing, failing to resolve interpersonal conflicts, and complaining, all of which contribute to the erosive effects of depression on relationships (Joiner, 2000). It is believed that avoidance is also connected to negative attentional bias in depression, which results in a self-perpetuating activation of memories, thoughts, feelings, and ways of interpreting stimuli (Trew, 2011). In transactional analysis terms, this means that avoidance may sustain the ongoing activation of a depressogenic script system or, to use the phrase I prefer, a depressive associative network.…”

“…For example, the hopelessness, anhedonia, and low mood that characterize depression predispose depressed individuals to avoiding activities, even though doing so results in a reduction of positive stimulus that, in turn, maintains the depression. Although avoidance can lead to short-term relief, it does not solve the underlying problems and can generate new problems or exacerbate existing ones, thus contributing to maintaining the depression (Jacobson, Martell, & Dimidjian, 2001;Manos, Kanter, & Busch, 2010;Martell, Addis, & Jacobson, 2001;Trew, 2011). Depression is also associated with (unsuccessful) attempts to avoid certain thoughts, feelings, and sensations (Cribb, Moulds, & Carter, 2006;Nolen-Hoeksema, 2000;Trew, 2011;Tull & Gratz, 2008).…”

“…Although avoidance can lead to short-term relief, it does not solve the underlying problems and can generate new problems or exacerbate existing ones, thus contributing to maintaining the depression (Jacobson, Martell, & Dimidjian, 2001;Manos, Kanter, & Busch, 2010;Martell, Addis, & Jacobson, 2001;Trew, 2011). Depression is also associated with (unsuccessful) attempts to avoid certain thoughts, feelings, and sensations (Cribb, Moulds, & Carter, 2006;Nolen-Hoeksema, 2000;Trew, 2011;Tull & Gratz, 2008). Furthermore, depression triggers a range of problematic interpersonal behaviors such as avoiding socializing, failing to resolve interpersonal conflicts, and complaining, all of which contribute to the erosive effects of depression on relationships (Joiner, 2000).…”