Self-esteem as a major factor in the treatment of depression within the context of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of the literature

This study conducted a literature review on self-esteem and its role in the treatment of depression from a Cognitive-Behavioral therapeutic (CBT) approach. An initial review of the literature indicated that self-esteem is a paramount concept associated with depression. Further investigation of the current findings revealed that self-esteem is incorporated into the theoretical proclamations of virtually every theory that attempts to explain the affective illnesses, in general, and what is known as Major Depression, in particular. A great number of studies have been conducted on the relationship between self-esteem and depression, as well as almost every other clinical malady. The studies clearly indicate that self-esteem is intimately related on the onset, maintenance, and avoidance of physical and psychological disorders. Furthermore, the studies also reveal that those interventions which include self-esteem, either as a covariate of treatment or as the actual outcome measure, in the treatment of depression, are the most successful approaches currently in existence.;The original review of the literature also indicated that the majority of studies on depression and its treatment include one type of therapeutic intervention. Such intervention is known as "Cognitive-Behavioral" therapy or CBT. Further exploration of CBT also indicated that the approach is not a single, homogeneous therapy, but rather a series of models based on behavioral and cognitive techniques.;Among all the models incorporated under the umbrella of CBT, one of them seems to be especially efficacious for the treatment of depressive conditions. The model is known as Cognitive therapy (CT). CT, the major work of Beck and colleagues, seems to be the treatment of choice for affective ailments, as indicated by the existing literature. CT employs a variety of behavioral and cognitive techniques designed to "heal" the patient's self-esteem which is usually attacked by depression.;The preference for the use of Cognitive therapy, as an intervention for depression, is not limited to the cluster of CBTs, but extends to the field of Clinical psychology at large. Furthermore, Beck's CT is also considered to be as efficacious to treat depression, as pharmacotherapy, and has fewer side effects than medication. Perhaps more importantly, CT patients also experience improvement in their sense of self-esteem which translates into the best long term follow-up results, as well as generalization of the treatment effects into other areas of the patients' lives.;In closing, self-esteem is a crucial component in the treatment of depression and its incorporation in Beck's model of cognitive therapy produces the best long term results, which accounts for the popularity of the model. Limitations of this review and suggestions for the future research are also discussed in chapter V.