Psychological aspects of depression: Toward a cognitive-interpersonal integration

90

using the instrument

Book Reviews

due to its extensive case descriptions

and descriptions

of the use of the

test. Quite likely these two readerships would read different sections of the book. JAMES REICH Brown University 0272-7358(93)EOOO7; Psychological Aspects of Depression: Toward a Cognitive-Interpersonal Integration. By I. H. Gotlib and C. L. Hammen. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, 1992. 330 pp. $39.95. It is a pleasure to read Gotlib and Hammen’s book. These well-established searchers provide a thorough and thoughtful review of the current empirical

clinical reknowledge

regarding cognitive and interpersonal processes associated with depression. Particular strengths of the presentation include the incorporation of a developmental perspective and the articulation of a conceptualization of depression that integrates theory and research on cognitive and interpersonal functioning. This book offers a superb introduction to the phenomenology, taxonomy, ogy, and course of depression in children, adolescents, and adults. Major

epidemioltheoretical

approaches that have influenced the direction of empirical investigations and treatment endeavors are reviewed clearly and concisely. This discussion of theoretical perspectives emphasizes cognitive and interpersonal models. Attention is paid to such cognitive variables as distortions about the self and future, and attributional styles. The social context ofdepression also is examined, with an emphasis on life events, early experiences including attachment history, social support networks, marital and family interactional dynamics, and the adjustment of children of depressed parents. The authors then provide a brief yet informative description of the major self-report and interview measures for diagnosing depressive symptoms and disorders in individuals throughout the life span. This is followed by an extensive and up-to-date summary of the principles, techniques, and outcome data from the major cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal treatment models for depression. In the final chapter, Gotlib and Hammen incorporate their prior empirical contributions with other pertinent theory and data to explicate a cognitive-interpersonal conceptualization of depressions. This sophisticated conceptualization addresses cognitive and interpersonal processes associated with increased vulnerability for nonpsychotic, unipolar depression and the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of depressive episodes. We concur with the authors’ assertion that this cognitive-interpersonal formulation has significant implications for future efforts at assessing and treating nonbipolar depression in children, adolescents, and adults. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students, mental health professionals, and clinical researchers will find this to be an extraordinarily well-written and well-organized book. A highlight of the presentation is the commentaries and concluding sections of each chapter. In these sections, Gotlib and Hammen cogently and critically summarize the sate of the literature and provide suggestions for future research to advance the field. In sum, we highly recommend this book for all scientists, practitioners, and theoreticians interested in depression. It is a must for the bookshelves of all clinicians and academicians working with depressed individuals of all ages. TRACY

NADINE J. KASLOW R. G. GLADSTONE Emory University

0272-7358(93)E0008-K