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The cognitive-behavioral model is eclectic, based on theories of
It is significant because it helps women cope with stress effectively by taking an active role in their own health; promotes women's health by using the model in a variety of mental-health practice settings; prevents possible severe depression; strengthens the family unit; increases research data on depression; and reduces healthcare costs. Cognitive therapy is one of the few forms of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in over three hundred clinical trials for many different disorders. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy is usually more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving-oriented. Indeed, much of what the patient does is solve current problems. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors. DEPRESSION--AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM Weissman's (1981) review of 40 years of depression-related research in 30 western countries determined that although depression affects both men and women, it is more common in women and affects them in their most youthful productive years--most frequently occurring among married women with children. In the United States, for example, more than 40 million people suffer from depression, and two thirds of these people are women (Hirschfeld. 1980). And, studies by Guttentag, Salasin, & Belle (1980) at Harvard indicate that there was a rapid increase in the United States of the number of females of all ages and classes afflicted with depression. Eminent researchers (Dohrenwend, 1973, van Keep & Prill, 1975. Tucker, 1977, Notman, 1979) have suggested that stressors occurring in women's daily lives that stem from personal, family. social, and cultural demands upon them may result in their depression, Yet, little systematic research has evaluated the female preponderance for depression. (Lobel & Hirschfeld, 1985; Hirschfeld & Cross. 1982).Women do seek counseling: however, there have been few convincing research studies on the effectiveness of various attempted psychotherapies (Fiske et al., 1970). Also, because of the rising high cost of health care, funding agencies insist that treatment approaches in mental health be efficacious, safe, and cost-effective (Parloff, 1980). Greenberg et al (1993) writes on the economic burden of depression. Thus, examining the phenomenon of depression and formulating and implementing interventions that effectively address the diverse concerns and needs of depressed women remains a challenge. The social morbidity of depression is high. It impairs social and occupational functioning-- most markedly affecting work performance and the intimate relationships of marriage and parenthood. Depression manifests itself in diminished personal satisfaction, difficulty in communication, increased dependency, anger, and tension, especially with the spouse and children. Dodge (1990) reports observations on the developmental psychopathology in children of depressed mothers. Further, depression has a particularly devastating impact upon a woman's capacity to care for her children (Klerman, Weissman, Rounsaville, & Chevan, 1984). Three possible psychological explanations for these escalating rates of depression in women have been suggested and described by the theories of Lewinsohn, Seligman, and Beck. |
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