Behavioral theory of depression: Reinforcement as a mediating variable between avoidance and depression

JP Carvalho, DR Hopko�- Journal of behavior therapy and experimental�…, 2011 - Elsevier
Behavioral theory posits that certain environmental changes and avoidant behaviors inhibit
individuals from experiencing environmental reward and reinforcement and subsequently
leads to the development and maintenance of depressive symptoms. Using self-report and
behavioral (daily diary) indices of environmental reward as proxy measures for positive
reinforcement, this investigation examined whether environmental reward mediated the
relationship between avoidance and depression. When controlling for anxiety, both indices�…