Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 October 2014
Research into the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has repeatedly demonstrated that it is a useful method for alleviating the symptoms of clinical depression. However, the underlying mechanism of the recovery process has remained a matter of debate in the literature. Although at no point in the literature has it been stated that cognitions ‘cause’ depression, this has been a strong implication in the design of many of the studies. The lack of consensus on the issue of causation is due partly to the lack of a co-ordinated approach to investigating the process of cognitive change and other variables in the depressive patient. Also the failure of many research designs to eliminate alternative hypotheses has led to confusion and debate about the direction which CBT research should take. The overall effect has limited the possibilities for an integrated model of depression. This paper looks at the various working models of depression in the literature and suggests the direction for future investigators' testing of these models.