Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)
Despite extensive theorizing and research into the nature and
etiology of depression there still remains certain prominent and
unresolved gaps in our knowledge.
In spite of the broad acceptance of cognitive and cognitive
behavioral factors and more specific cognitive styles and
schemes in the context of the etiology and the manifestation of
depression, it appears that finality has not been reached about
the specific nature and content of these cognitive styles or
schemes.
For the purpose of this study, the construct goal-achievement
expectation was formulated as being an intermediate cognitive
variable or predisposing scheme which does not only signify an
important function for the individual's behavior~ but which can
also play an antecedent and determining role in the development of
depression.
In order to investigate the antecedent role of the goal achievement
expectation construct, the goal-achievement
expectation construct was assessed by means of a questionnaire on
the basis of six operationally determined cognitive needs as
conceptualized by Rotter (1954)...