Depression and the frequency and strength of pleasant events: Exploration of the Staats-Heiby theory

An analysis derived from the paradigmatic behaviorism theory of depression was applied to the Pleasant Events Schedule. The PES combines measurement of frequency and intensity of pleasant events, while paradigmatic behavioral analysis indicates these involve different independent variables. Results showed that different subtypes could be isolated by differentiating these variables, subtypes that would differently predict for depression. The findings have implications for understanding, diagnosing, and treating depression.