The Impact of Depression on Perception and TV Preferences

Individuals who have recovered from a major depressive episode exhibit a cognitive pattern characterized by a heightened focus on negative information and reduced attention to positive information, putting them at a higher risk for relapse. A meta-analysis of 44 studies involving over 4,000 participants revealed that those with a history of depression displayed a stronger bias towards processing negative stimuli compared to healthy controls. This cognitive imbalance suggests a decreased control over information processing and a predisposition towards negativity. The findings highlight the need for strategies to increase the processing of positive information in the treatment of depression.