The self in depression: Commentary

Abstract

Bridging the diverse viewpoints presented on the nature of the self in short-term treatment of depression, this concluding article identifies some common themes that run through each of the individual contributions. The concepts of an expanded self or a greater coherence of self-attributes is viewed as an important outcome, regardless of the modality through which it is achieved. Furthermore, individuals' capacity to observe and accept their own experiences and increases in their capacity for perspective taking were found to be especially important in enabling persons suffering from depression to develop a more functional sense of self. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.