Study Report
Reference
| Citation | Diener, 2009 PubMed |
| Full Info | Diener, C., Kuehner, C., Brusniak, W., Struve, M. and Flor, H. (2009) Effects of stressor controllability on psychophysiological, cognitive and behavioural responses in patients with major depression and dysthymia. Psychol Med, 39, 77-86.
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Study
| Hypothesis or Background |
The experience of uncontrollability and helplessness in the face of stressful life events is regarded as an important determinant in the development and maintenance of depression. The inability to successfully deal with stressors might be linked to dysfunctional prefrontal functioning. We assessed cognitive, behavioural and physiological effects of stressor uncontrollability in depressed and healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between altered cortical processing and cognitive vulnerability traits of depression were analysed.
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| Sample Information | A total of 26 unmedicated depressed patients and 24 matched healthy controls |
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| Method Detail | Subjects were tested in an expanded forewarned reaction (S1-S2) paradigm. In a factorial design, stressor controllability varied across three consecutive conditions: (a) control, (b) loss of control and (c) restitution of control. Throughout the experiment, error rates, ratings of controllability, arousal, emotional valence and helplessness were assessed together with the post-imperative negative variation (PINV) of the electroencephalogram. |
| Method Keywords | electroencephalogram (EEG) |
| Result | Depressed participants showed an enhanced frontal PINV as an electrophysiological index of altered information processing during both loss of control and restitution of control. They also felt more helpless than controls. Furthermore, frontal PINV magnitudes were associated with habitual rumination in the depressed subsample. |
| Conclusions | These findings indicate that depressed patients are more susceptible to stressor uncontrollability than healthy subjects. Moreover, the experience of uncontrollability seems to bias subsequent information processing in a situation where control is objectively re-established. Alterations in prefrontal functioning appear to contribute to this vulnerability and are also linked to trait markers of depression. |
Relationships reported by
Diener, 2009
| Component A Approved Name (Name in Paper) |
Component A Type |
Component B Approved Name (Name in Paper) |
Component B Type |
Statistical Result |
Relationship Description |
Result Category (Positive/Negative)) |
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MDD
|
syndrome |
Slow wave potential (post-imperative negative variation (PINV)) |
neurobiological system |
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Depressed participants showed an enhanced frontal PINV as an electrophysiological index of altered information processing during both loss of control and restitution of control. |
Positive
|
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MDD
|
syndrome |
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt (felt more helpless) |
symptoms |
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Depressed participants also felt more helpless than controls. |
Positive
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