Abstract
The attributional reformulation of learned helplessness theory proposes that causal judgments on the internal/external dimension lead to the depressive deficit of low self-esteem. Attention is drawn to limitations in the definition of internality/externality offered by the theory and in the methods of measurement available. It is pointed out that there are noncausal cognitions, such as self-evaluative judgments, which are characteristic of depression and which could provide an alternative explanation of reduced self-esteem.
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Brewin, C.R. Internal attribution and self-esteem in depression: A theoretical note. Cogn Ther Res 10, 469–475 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173298
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173298