Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reported that individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) showed greater difficulty concentrating on positive experiences and were pulled away from them more easily than people without the condition. The findings appeared in the peer‑reviewed Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science (JPCS) and add nuance to how mood disorders influence everyday attention and emotion processing. [Citation: Hebrew University study, Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science]
Major depressive disorder is defined by persistent sadness, profound hopelessness, and a reduced interest or pleasure in most activities. These symptoms can disrupt daily functioning, affecting work performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. The condition often brings a heavy emotional burden that can linger for weeks, months, or longer, complicating even routine tasks and social interactions. [Citation: JPCS study overview]
In two controlled experiments, researchers compared how healthy individuals and those with depression respond to both pleasant and aversive stimuli. The study recruited roughly 200 participants, evenly divided between people diagnosed with MDD and a control group without diagnosed mental disorders.
Participants were asked to reflect on their reactions to pleasant and unpleasant memories and to choose between strategies such as shifting attention to a different topic or reexamining the memory itself. These choices shed light on how mood disorders influence cognitive control during emotional processing.
The results indicated that individuals with depression tended to withdraw from positive experiences, diminishing their emotional impact. This withdrawal can contribute to a cycle of sadness and heightened anxiety in daily life. Importantly, the study found that while the motivation to experience positive emotions remains, the savoring of those moments tends to be shorter‑lived in people with MDD.
Earlier research has explored the link among genetics, environmental factors, and the risk of developing depression, highlighting a complex interaction that shapes an individual’s vulnerability and resilience. The current work adds to this picture by showing how mood disorders can modulate attention and engagement with positive events, potentially influencing treatment outcomes and daily coping strategies. [Citation: Prior genetics and ecology research overview]