To do or not to do? Depression and motivation

Motivational constraints are a central feature of depression. In this context, the role of avoidance goals is increasingly emphasized. Do depressed patients report more avoidance goals than healthy controls? Is there a relationship between avoidance goals and experiencing failure? Depressed patients and healthy controls answer self-assessment questionnaires. Between-group statistical comparisons and correlations are calculated. Depressed patients seem to be over-motivated. Patients should be trained in both, appropriate goal oriented behaviour for approach goals and detachment from avoidance goals.