Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
Both the theories of Seligman (1975) and Beck (1976) provide
an explanation of depression as a cognitive phenomenon.
These theories are inadequate in the sense that no provision
is made for individual differences and personality factors in
the development of depression. This study postulates that
perfectionism is related to learned helplessness and depression,
with the intention of understanding mild depression.
Forty first year students at the Rand Afrikaans University
were selected on the basis of exceptionally high or exceptionally
low scores on the P.Hs. (Perfectionistic Attitude
Scale). The subjects were further divided into helpless and
non-helpless groups. Helplessness was induced by confronting
the subjects with a cognitive task which was impossible to
execute. Hereafter, among other things, the subjects'
attributions and level of depression (Beck Depression Inventory)
were measured.
The findings indicate that perfectionism is significantly
related to depression, but not to learned helplessness.
Furthermore, it was found that helplessness is not necessarily
related to depression. It is suggested that helplessness in
a laboratory situation is not aversive or important enough
to cause depression. The recommendation is made that future
helplessness studies Should preferably concentrate on actual
life situations.
Perfectionism was found to be an important factor in the
development of depression, and it was found that perfectionists
are essentially underachievers. The implications of these
findings were briefly discussed.