Two current approaches to the conceptualization and treatment of depression have received considerable attention from the scientific community. The cognitive approach (Beck) posits that depression derives from negatively distorted beliefs that must be challenged in the context of cognitive therapy until they are replaced with positive and…

After nearly a decade of empirical studies on the effectiveness of various types of psychotherapy, Beck's cognitive/behavioral therapy apparently remains the most effective psychotherapy for depression. However, because of the complexity and the mixture of cognitive and behavioral modification in Beck's therapy it is impossible to test Beck's…