Motivational deficit in depressed cancer patients.

A motivational theory of depression states that depression consists of low expectations and low values for rewards. This theory accurately describes one class of depression, the affective disorders. The present study tested its accuracy for another class of depression, adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This class of depression is precipitated by environmental stresses, such as chronic illness. The focus was therefore on people (N = 48) who were experiencing terminal cancer and nonterminal cancer. Results supported each prediction generated by the motivational theory. The cancer patients exhibited low expectations and low values; hence, they were unmotivated and depressed. Implications are that some of the symptoms exhibited by cancer patients may be manifestations of negative beliefs rather than physical impairments.