The pathoplasticity model is similar to the predisposition model in that it also views personality as having a causal influence on depressive disorder. However, rather than contributing to the onset of depression, the pathoplasticity model posits that personality influences the expression of the disorder after onset. This influence can include the severity or pattern of symptomatology, course, and response to treatment. The pathoplasticity model would be supported by evidence that personality explains variation among depressed individuals in their clinical presentation or outcome.
