Types of depression from a psychodynamic view
Method Stream: Literature Review
ECs; Both 14 and 23 EC thesis possible
Description:
In psychoanalytical understanding, we differentiate between anaclitic and introjective depression. One such model (Blatt's two-configurations model) looks at psychopathology from dimensions of relatedness and self-definition. In basic terms, if the depression stems from dependency issues, it is identified as anaclitic. Anaclitic depression is characterized by emptiness, feeling of abandonment and loneliness. If the depression stems from self-appraisal issues, it is identified as introjective. Introjective depression is characterized by self-blame and an exaggerated self-criticalness ("everything is my fault"). There is evidence for this differentiation (see suggested reading) and we know from clinical practice that these two groups experience certain life experiences differently.
The aim of this review will be to synthesize evidence for this differentiation and/or explore the implications for experiencing different life events (e.g., end of relationship, death of a loved one). The assignment is flexible and open for students to develop their own research questions.
For the 14 EC thesis, a review can map evidence for the differentiation. The review could take the form of a scoping, systematic, narrative review or a meta-analysis, depending on the research question.
For the 23 EC thesis, interviews and/or interpretive focus groups could be conducted with psychotherapists in training to explore the clinical value of this differentiation.
Suggested reading:
Reis, S. and Grenyer, B.F.S. (2002). Pathways to anaclitic and introjective depression. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 75, 445-459. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608302321151934
Rost F, Luyten P, & Fonagy P. (2018). The Anaclitic–Introjective Depression Assessment: Development and preliminary validity of an observer-rated measure. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 25, 195–209. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2153