The study found those with clinical depression were more likely to set abstract goals that were difficult to achieve
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have found that people with depression have more generalised personal goals than non-depressed people. A study conducted by Dr Joanne Dickson , in the University's Institute of Psychology, Health and Society , analysed the lists of personal goals made by people who suffered with depression and those who didn't. List personal goals The participants were asked to list goals they would like to achieve at any time in the short, medium or long-term. The goals were categorised for their specificity - for example a global or abstract goal such as, ' to be happy' would represent a general goal, whereas, a goal such as ' improve my 5-mile marathon time this summer' would represent a more specific goal. Researchers found that whilst both groups generated the same number of goals, people with depression listed goals which were more general and more abstract. The study also found that depressed people were far more likely to give non-specific reasons for achieving and not achieving their goals. "We found that the goals that people with clinical depression listed lacked a specific focus, making it more difficult to achieve them and therefore creating a downward cycle of negative thoughts” Having very broad and abstract goals may maintain and exacerbate depression.
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