Graduation Year
2012
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Granting Department
Psychology
Major Professor
Jonathan Rottenberg, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Mark Goldman, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Thomas Brandon, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jennifer Bosson, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Tiina Ojanen, Ph.D.
Keywords
affect, cognition, mood, motivation, self-regulation
Abstract
Despite the theoretical importance of goal-related deficits in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), relatively empirical research has examined goal generation and perceived goal attainment in depression vulnerable individuals. The
current project sought to examine the impact of depressive status on perceived goal attainment in currently depressed, remitted depressed, and never-depressed women. In addition, perceived problem-solving skills, a construct thought to be critical for goal
striving and in goal attainment was also examined. Unexpectedly, no effects of depressive status on perceived goal attainment or overall perceived problem-solving skills were observed. Results did however reveal group differences in perceived control in problem-solving, and this was associated with perceived goal attainment. These surprising results suggest that developing positive expectations for goal pursuit may serve to aid in goal pursuit among depression-vulnerable populations. Limitations and future
directions are discussed.
Scholar Commons Citation
Brauer, Lindsay, "Goal Attainment as a Function of Depressive Status in Women: The Role of Problem-Solving" (2012). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/3989
