Rick E. Ingram – författare

In 1988, the Deparunent of Psychology at San Diego State University initiated the first in a planned conference series on Contemporary Issues in Clinical Psychology. It was decided that the focus of this first conference would be depression. Consequently, a number of distinguished scholars were invited to San Diego to discuss contemporary theoretical, empirical, and treatment issues in depressive disorders. This volume contains the results of this conference. Each chapter remains true to the original presentation, although each has been extensively reworked by the authors for inclusion in a book format, and in some cases co-authors have aided in revisions for the volume. Given the sheer quantity and impressive quality of contemporary research, it may not be possible to overstate the impact of psychological approaches on our understanding of depressive disorders. Accordingly, the aim of this conference was, within the limited amount of time available for such an endeavor, to chronicle the current status of the psychology of depression. In inviting participants to this forum, no attempt was made to reflect only certain theoretical views. Contemporary psychological theory and research in depression, however, are dominated by cognitive viewpoints, and the influence of cognitive perspectives is thus unmistakable throughout the present volume.

This state-of-the-art work has been highly praised for bridging the divide between adult and developmental psychopathology. The volume illuminates the interplay of biological, cognitive, affective, and social-environmental factors that place individuals at risk for psychological disturbance throughout development. Childhood-onset and adult forms of major disorders are examined in paired chapters by prominent clinical researchers. An integrative third chapter on each disorder then summarizes what is known about continuity and change in vulnerability across the lifespan. Implications for assessment, treatment, and prevention are also considered.