... costs to society. Furthermore, it is a well known epidemiological observation that approximately twice as many women than men become depressed. (Bebbington, 1990; Wiessman & Kierman, 1977). Factors such as menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage and menopause could be responsible for depression in women, as well as additional responsibilities such as juggling the care of children and employment. It is surprising to know that 330 million people worldwide suffer from depression but only a few will receive treatment. It has been estimated that by the year 2020 major depression will be the world's second most debilitating disease, surpassed only by cardiovascular disease. People who become depressed tend to think about themselves and the world around them differently from people who are not vulnerable to depression (Beck, Rush, Shaw & Emery, 1976). Beck (1967) discusses what he calls the vulnerability of the depression-prone person as: 'Attributable to the constellation of enduring negative attitudes about ...

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