Authors:

DUNN, B.D., DALGLEISH, T., LAWRENCE, A.D., CUSACK, R. & Ogilvie, A.

Reference:

Year of publication:

2004

CBU number:

5754

Abstract:

Two studies examined categorical and dimensional reports of affect to emotion-inducing pictures in dysphoric individuals (Study one) and patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)(Study two). The results revealed reliable differences in response to positive images (reduced arousal, decreased self-report of happiness), but not negative images, in dysphoria and MDD, relative to the performance of control participants. Extending earlier findings of reduced responsiveness to positive, but not negative, stimuli in MDD, the data indicate that blunted response to positive stimuli is found in both dysphoria and MDD and when both categoric and dimensional emotion ratings are measured. Further, the data replicate earlier findings of an elevated report of sadness to positive stimuli in MDD. Implications for theory and treatment are discussed.