In cognitive psychology, cognitive changes that accompany depression include a(n):

• A. improvement in problem-solving abilities
• B. heightened optimism about the future
• C. enhanced memory for positive events
• D. increase in negative thinking patterns

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem, which focuses on cognitive changes associated with depression in cognitive psychology.
2. Step 2: Recall that depression often involves negative cognitive patterns, such as distorted thinking, pessimism, and difficulties in concentration or memory related to positive information.
3. Step 3: Evaluate each option by comparing it to typical cognitive symptoms of depression: improvement in problem-solving, heightened optimism, and enhanced memory for positive events are generally inconsistent with depression.
4. Step 4: Recognize that an increase in negative thinking patterns aligns with well-established cognitive theories of depression, such as Beck's cognitive triad, which highlights negative views about the self, world, and future.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the cognitive change accompanying depression is best described as an increase in negative thinking patterns, reflecting the typical cognitive distortions seen in depressed individuals.