Zachary has been very depressed for several weeks. He just started therapy and went to his therapist for the first time yesterday. Today, he says that while he is still a "little down," he feels much less depressed than he was. Which of the following pairs of factors are MOST likely to have contributed to his improved mood?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The placebo effect, which can occur when a person believes they are receiving treatment and feels better despite the treatment having no therapeutic effect, and regression toward the mean, a statistical phenomenon where extreme feelings (like severe depression) naturally return to a more average state over time, are likely contributing to Zachary's rapid improvement after just one therapy session.

Zachary Has Been Very Depressed for Several Weeks