depression cognitive weaknesses

• the theory is correlational and lacks causality. ​

  E explanation fails to explain whether irrational, negative thoughts lead to depression, or whether developing depression leads to irrational negative thinking. lack of cause-and-effect can be seen in individuals who develop depression but did not show negative, irrational thinking before the depression. ​

  E = theory = correlational, meaning we therefore cannot confidently state that cognitive theories can directly explain depression. This is a limitation as it lowers the validity of the cognitive theories in comparison to other explanations
• Alternative explanations for depression (e.g.: biological explanations) suggest that depression is a biological condition, caused by genes and neurotransmitters. Research focused on the role of serotonin has found lower levels in patients with depression. In addition, drug therapies, including SSRIs, which increase the level of serotonin, are found to be effective in the treatment of depression, which provide further support for the role of neurotransmitters in the development of depression. This therefore casts doubt on the cognitive explanation as a sole cause of the disorder. ​