Abstract
Kuhl (1984) recently has advanced a theoretical account of metacognitive processes which allow one to exert a measure of “voluntary” control over one's emotions and cognitions and which assist in the translation of intentions into actions. Central to the theory is the idea that individual differences have an important impact on the ability to exert such controls. It also has been hypothesized (Kuhl, 1984) that persons who are lower in control resources (“state-oriented” persons) are more vulnerable to depression. The present research tested this hypothesis and provides support for it. The results show that state-oriented persons are more likely to be dysphoric and that stressful life events have a more adverse impact on state-oriented persons. The results also show that future levels of dysphoria can be predicted by current level of state orientation.
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Rholes, W.S., Michas, L. & Shroff, J. Action control as a vulnerability factor in dysphoria. Cogn Ther Res 13, 263–274 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173407
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01173407