The general concept is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" or just CBT. One of the classic CBT workbooks (specifically for depression) is "Mind Over Mood" ht

The general concept is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" or just CBT. One of the classic CBT workbooks (specifically for depression) is "Mind Over Mood" http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Mood-Change-Changing/dp/0898621283/ http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Mood-Change-Changing/dp/0898... I'm sure if you look you could find other books that are a little more academic than instructional, if that's what you're after. Edit to add: Even though it looks like it might be, this isn't soft touchy-feely self-help bullshit. CBT has been proven as an effective treatment for things like depression. There's real science here.