Is this merely a correlation, or are you (or Fine) attempting to posit causation here? That is to say, is this merely pointing out that viewing "life through a clearer lens" is seen in connection with higher frequency of clinical depression, or is the inference here that this clearer lens causes clinical depression?
I find it a hard case to make the latter statement, and the former statement doesn't imply (to me) that one ought to eschew the clearer lens. I wonder if there is some analysis that digs into what mental processes, emotions, thoughts, etc. occur in the wake of viewing the world through the clearer lens that might lead to clinical depression?
I feel like there could be some not-so-weak element of not having as balanced a view/method of how to respond to one's failures that would lead toward depressive thought patterns. I don't think self-esteem issues are caused by viewing oneself more objectively and rationally, but instead by placing unwarranted weight on the (potentially errant) conclusions one draws from a more objective view of oneself. That is, if one has a more balanced and nuanced objective view of the world, but has an equally unbalanced and un-nuanced view of oneself--say, that one's abilities or potential for improvement are strictly circumscribed and not easily changed--I would hedge my bets toward that person having a greater likelihood for depression than someone who does not draw such conclusions.
I think I tend toward viewing myself and others fairly objectively, and actively work to do so. I also compare myself to others I subjectively and objectively find better in some ways. But then I respond by improving the parts of me that I have found to be weaker than those who are a level above my own. I don't experience depressive thoughts (that I am aware of). (shit, that's just anecdotal and can be dismissed. nevermind.)
[edit: typo and calling out my own anecdotal evidence that is unhelpful]
I find it a hard case to make the latter statement, and the former statement doesn't imply (to me) that one ought to eschew the clearer lens. I wonder if there is some analysis that digs into what mental processes, emotions, thoughts, etc. occur in the wake of viewing the world through the clearer lens that might lead to clinical depression?
I feel like there could be some not-so-weak element of not having as balanced a view/method of how to respond to one's failures that would lead toward depressive thought patterns. I don't think self-esteem issues are caused by viewing oneself more objectively and rationally, but instead by placing unwarranted weight on the (potentially errant) conclusions one draws from a more objective view of oneself. That is, if one has a more balanced and nuanced objective view of the world, but has an equally unbalanced and un-nuanced view of oneself--say, that one's abilities or potential for improvement are strictly circumscribed and not easily changed--I would hedge my bets toward that person having a greater likelihood for depression than someone who does not draw such conclusions.
I think I tend toward viewing myself and others fairly objectively, and actively work to do so. I also compare myself to others I subjectively and objectively find better in some ways. But then I respond by improving the parts of me that I have found to be weaker than those who are a level above my own. I don't experience depressive thoughts (that I am aware of). (shit, that's just anecdotal and can be dismissed. nevermind.)
[edit: typo and calling out my own anecdotal evidence that is unhelpful]