How etiological beliefs contribute to the structure of depression symptom networks

Objectives

Each person possesses a unique view surrounding depressive symptomology and etiology that is shaped by idiosyncratic experiences. However, the influence that subjective etiological beliefs regarding a person's depressive symptoms have on actual symptom presentation and organization is seldom considered.

Methods

The current study employed network analytic techniques to examine how subjective views surrounding the cause of depressive symptoms altered actual symptom presentation networks. Additionally, the interaction between depressive symptoms and various etiological beliefs was examined.

Results

The results revealed that characterological beliefs, representing the idea that depression is caused by an internal sense of self, are strongly connected to a negative view of self, as well as a saddened mood. Additionally, the characterological beliefs node exhibited the greatest node predictability in its respective network, as well as in an omnibus network consisting of all depression symptoms and potential etiological beliefs. Whereas an achievement-based view of depression has a strong connection with concentration difficulties, a physical view of depression tends to form strong connections with physically based depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Subjective views regarding the cause of depression have the potential to influence symptom presentation and organization within a network, which may influence a person's willingness to engage in treatment or specific treatment preferences.