Complex Depression: The Role of Personality Dynamics and Social Ecology

Golan Shahar's book explores the relationship between personality and social factors in complex depression, offering research and hope for sufferers and treatment providers. It synthesizes research and clinical wisdom, focusing on Melanie Klein's object relations theory and depressive position, and explores how individuals externalize self-critical feelings, creating a malignant social environment. The book offers tools and procedures for assessing complex depression and guidelines for integrative psychotherapy, with case examples demonstrating the causes and consequences of complex depression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: American Psychological Association

In this groundbreaking empirical exploration, Golan Shahar delves into the intricate interplay between personality and social factors in the realm of complex depression, shedding light on potential avenues for research and offering solace to both sufferers and treatment providers. Through a synthesis of rigorous research and clinical expertise, Shahar deepens our understanding of this mental illness, characterized by its chronicity, heterogeneity, and profound consequences, including suicide.

He centers his analysis on Melanie Klein's object relations theory and depressive position, reimagining them from a transtheoretical perspective, emphasizing four critical factors: demeaning affect, affect regulation, maladaptive schemas, and scripts, all woven within a time axis encompassing past, present, and projected future experiences. Shahar also delves into the phenomenon of individuals externalizing self-critical feelings, leading to the creation of a toxic social environment and a perpetuating cycle of self-recrimination.

To unravel this complex relationship, Shahar introduces the concept of ecodynamics, a novel theory that examines the intricate patterns of relationships between the self and their social contexts. This insightful framework provides valuable tools and procedures for assessing complex depression and offers guidelines for integrative psychotherapy.

Through captivating case examples, including the author's personal investigation into his stepfather's suicide, the book vividly illustrates the causes and consequences of complex depression, offering a profound understanding of this intricate mental health condition.

This comprehensive work stands as a testament to Shahar's dedication to advancing knowledge and improving the lives of those grappling with complex depression. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and individuals seeking to better understand and address this challenging condition.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433836077