The PINE Project

Depressed individuals tend to display negative cognitive biases when processing social information, which are often considered risk factors or indicators of psychopathology. However, evolutionary theories suggest these biases may function as adaptive, risk-averse social strategies. By altering cognitive processes such as attention and interpretation of incoming information, these individuals may employ a 'better safe than sorry' strategy to avoid further social threats.

This project involves a dedicated research team aiming to empirically investigate the potential adaptive functions of these cognitive biases. We will analyze data from diverse populations to determine the association between these negative cognitive biases and social interactions. By examining these processes, we hope to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of depression and its associated cognitive patterns, potentially gaining new insights into how these biases might mitigate social risks.