Knowledge about depression: Effects of depression and vulnerability levels on self and other perceptions.

Abstract
The effects of depression level on an individual''s perceptions concerning the frequency, intensity and duration parameters of depression were investigated. Employing the Beck Depression Inventory as a measure of depression, both depressed and nondepressed subjects provided estimates of these parameters for themselves and the average other. As expected for the self-referent condition, depressives displayed significantly higher frequency and intensity estimates than normals. In the case of average others, depressives did not provide higher estimates, as predicted from a self-based consensus bias position. The critical factor which distinguished the 2 groups was the relationship between self and average other ratings, with depressives viewing themselves as worse than average, and normals viewing themselves as significantly better. An additional aim of this study was to determine the pattern of ratings which might be displayed by individuals cognitively vulnerable for depression, but currently nondepressed. Using the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale as a measure of vulnerability for depression, vulnerability level per se did not have a significant impact on subjects'' estimates. This finding was discussed in relation to Beck''s cognitive model of depression, with its emphasis on the etiological role of dysfunctional attitudes in depression.

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