Causal beliefs of low mood and theirrelation to coping responses: a qualitative exploration

• Main Author: Wright, Lisa
• Published: Bangor University 2008
• Subjects: 155
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.491688

The present study examined the interrelated areas ofcausal beliefs, coping responses and mood regulation expectancies in low mood. A literature review of negative mood regulation expectancies (NMRE) in relation to coping and mood state found that NMRE playa crucial role in the success of coping strategies and have a direct influence on mood. The empirical research study used Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to examine the relationship between causal beliefs of low mood and coping responses in a group of eight participants experiencing low mood problems. A number ofthemes were identified that included interpersonal, external, internal fixed and internal transient factors for causes and coping. Participants who described coping responses that were more closely related to their causal beliefs perceived themselves as recovering effectively from their difficulties. These findings were looked at in relation to the NMRE literature. It was suggested that coping responses that are closely related to causal beliefs may be perceived as more credible and relevant and therefore produce a stronger expectancy of effectiveness, leading to greater improvement in mood state. The clinical and research implications ofthese findings were discussed. Individualised approaches to mood management strategies were recommended that attempt to 'match up' interventions and specific strategies to the client's own causal perspective in order to maximise effectiveness and improve the therapeutic relationship.