Depressed Quote by Lisa Feldman Barrett
““Numerous experiments showed that people feel depressed when they fail to live up to their own ideals, but when they fall short of a standard set by others, they feel anxious.””
About This Quote
Source Research Article: Affect and Emotion, 2017
Self‑set standards cause depression when unmet, while external standards trigger anxiety, highlighting different emotional responses to personal versus social expectations.
In simple terms: Missing personal goals leads to depression; missing others’ leads to anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Align goals with values, manage expectations.
Themes
self‑esteem
expectations
depression
anxiety
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
psychological
research
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- performance reviews
- goal setting
- education
Key Concepts
psychology
social comparison
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- What standards drive your emotions?
- How can you differentiate personal from societal expectations?
A Different Perspective
External pressure can be overwhelming if not balanced.
