EXperimental Paradigm to Investigate Expectation Change in Depression 4

Worse Than Expected - Differences Between Healthy and Depressed People in Processing Unexpectedly Negative Information

Research has shown that people with depressive symptoms maintain negative expectations even if they have positive experiences that contradict their expectations. Healthy people, however, change their expectations after unexpected positive experiences. In this experimental study, it will now be examined whether there are also differences between healthy people and people with depressive symptoms in dealing with unexpected negative experiences.

Research has already shown that people with depressive symptoms continue to hold on to negative expectations even if they have positive experiences that contradict their expectations. By contrast, healthy people change their expectations after unexpectedly positive experiences. In this experimental study, the authors will now examine whether there are also differences between healthy people and people with depressive symptoms in processing unexpectedly negative experiences. It is hypothesized that people with depressive symptoms change their expectations in a negative direction after unexpectedly negative experiences, while healthy people continue to hold on to an optimistic view.

Inclusion Criteria (clinical sample):

• diagnosis of major depression
• at least 18 years old
• sufficient German language skills

Exclusion Criteria (clinical sample):

• participation in previous studies on changes in expectations

Inclusion Criteria (healthy sample):

• at least 18 years old
• sufficient German language skills

Exclusion Criteria (clinical sample):

• participation in previous studies on changes in expectations
• current diagnosis of any mental disorder
• diagnosis of major depression in the past
• currently receiving psychotherapeutic treatment