¹Dr. Şebnem Deniz Onat, ²Meltem Bozdağ

¹Lecturer Department of Psychology St. Clements University Clinical Psychology / Türkiye–United Kingdom
ORCID ID: 0009-0001-3083-7886

²Master’s Student St. Clements University Clinical Psychology / Türkiye–United Kingdom
ORCID ID: 0009-0007-5523-0283

DOI : https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2025.v4i12n17

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ABSTRACT

This article investigates the interaction between cognitive distortions (CDs) and socioeconomic status (SES) in the treatment of depression through a comprehensive literature review and theoretical synthesis. Grounded in Beck’s cognitive theory, the types, formation mechanisms, and role of cognitive distortions in therapeutic processes are examined in detail, while the impact of SES dimensions—income, education, and occupational status—on these distortions is analysed in the light of empirical evidence. The literature clearly indicates that low SES adversely affects depression treatment outcomes through: 1. heightened negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional schemas, 2. diminished cognitive flexibility, 3. barriers to therapy access and adherence, and 4. reinforcement of maladaptive cognitive structures by chronic environmental stressors. Furthermore, the study provides specific recommendations for adapting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) protocols for individuals from low-SES backgrounds and offers concrete policy proposals to enhance access to mental health services, promote early intervention, and strengthen social support systems. In conclusion, to maximise the efficacy of cognitive-level interventions in depression treatment, it is essential that SES be systematically integrated into both assessment and intervention phases.

KEYWORDS:

depression, cognitive distortions, socioeconomic status, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, health inequalities

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VOlUME 04 ISSUE 12 December 2025