Harnessing mental imagery and memory specificity
: developing novel early interventions for depression in youth

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

Abstract

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression rates increase in adolescence with many new cases emerging at this juncture. Adolescent-onset, compared to adult-onset, depression is associated with more recurrences and an increased risk of chronicity. The long-lasting and severe outcomes associated with adolescent depression might be prevented through intervening earlier. Given gaps in evidence-based youth interventions and resource-stretched settings, innovations in this field are important. Cognitive mechanisms research suggests that dysfunctional mental imagery and overgeneral memory could be promising intervention targets for depression. The overarching aim of this project was to develop brief school-based psychological interventions to target these mechanisms in adolescents as well as pre-adolescent children (a time before the maximal age of incidence).
Date of Award6 Jan 2021
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • King's College London
SupervisorYun Fai Lau (Supervisor), Patrick Smith (Supervisor) & Mary Leamy (Supervisor)

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