Familiarity-based Recognition Predict Depression Vulnerability: Dual Process of Similarity Comparison in Recognition and Induction

According to dual process model, relative dominance of reflexive processing characters cognitive vulnerability to depression. Conventional self-report questionnaires aimed to measure reflexive processing may not be a potent predictor of this vulnerability. Familiarity-based recognition is hypothesized to be an ideal indicator. Fifty-two participants underwent two experiments in succession with 10 minutes break. Participants perform recognition and induction task in both experiments with different task order. We found similar ROCs and zROCs results in both tasks, and a general absence of deterministic recollection in dysphoric group. Our findings suggest that familiarity-based recognition serves as an ideal indicator of depression vulnerability, and absence of effortful control is the key to understand this vulnerable feature. Different recognition components can affect both induction and recognition judgements by similarity comparison mechanism. Basic recognition process should be taken seriously for its potential impact on other cognitive activities.