MODIFICATION OF DEPRESSION RISK-FACTORS - A SOLUTION-FOCUSED APPROACH

Seligman postulates that certain meaning frames attached to negative o r stressful events determine whether temporary sad feelings persist an d eventually evolve into clinical depression. The meaning frames ident ified by Seligman are the permanence, pervasiveness, and personal caus ation of negative or stressful events. Successful treatment is thought to consist of interventions that modify the three meaning frames that contribute to depression. This article combines Seligman's observatio ns with recent developments in solution-focused psychotherapy. Use of certain classes of intervention from solution-focused psychotherapy ma y shorten and potentiate treatment of depression.