What perspective does a therapist reflect if they believe a chronically depressed person takes too little credit for achievements?

The social-cognitive perspective emphasizes the interplay between individual behaviors, cognitive processes, and the social environment in understanding mental health and personality. When a therapist identifies that a chronically depressed person takes too little credit for their achievements, they are highlighting a cognitive distortion that negatively impacts the individual's self-esteem and overall outlook.

This perspective suggests that the way individuals interpret and think about their experiences, such as downplaying their successes, can significantly affect their mood and behavior. In this case, the therapist is recognizing that the person’s internal thoughts and beliefs contribute to their depression. This is central to the social-cognitive perspective, which posits that beliefs about oneself and the ability to interpret one's achievements can influence emotional well-being.

In contrast, while the behavioral perspective focuses primarily on observable behaviors and the effects of reinforcements, it does not address the significance of cognitive processes. The psychodynamic perspective would delve into unconscious motivations and early relationships that may contribute to depression but would not specifically frame the problem in terms of self-assessment of achievements. The cognitive-behavioral perspective, although closely related to the social-cognitive perspective, is more action-oriented, focusing on changing negative thought patterns through specific therapeutic techniques, rather than merely evaluating the cognitive contributions within a broader social context