FOR DEPRESSION PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS LEAH

PSYCHODYNAMIC Unconscious forces and experiences in early life can result in depression Begins at the ‘oral stage’ which is where the child depends upon the caregiver for oral satisfaction, such as feeding If the child is over or under gratified this may lead to them developing a personality type more prone to depression: being excessively dependant upon people and actively seeking love and approval.

Anger turned ‘inwards’ When needs are not met, they become angry, and turn this inwards. In our unconscious lie feelings of anger and hatred towards those we love and because the outward expression of anger is not acceptable to the superego this also is turned in on oneself If an individual experiences a loss in later life, unresolved conflicts in their unconscious may be brought up.

EVALUATION Difficult to scientifically test. Many of his concepts are not defined well enough to form testable hypothesis’. Abstract concepts, difficult to reliably measure (such as defence mechanisms). His ideas are un-falsifiable. Poor sample; middle aged Viennese women. Furthermore only twelve case studies were presented for scrutiny Some studies have found that people suffering depression tend to show more anger, however this is directed outwards, in contradiction to Freud’s theory.

EVALUATION Research into attachment bonds has found support for psychodynamic explanations, such as that separations and disruptions to attachments have long repercussions. Also, depressed adolescents have been found to have suffered separation, however not everyone who experiences this becomes depressed, nor have all depressed people undergone separations Research studies have found evidence for dependency in those suffering depression. However cause and effect is not determinable.

BECKS COGNITIVE THEORY Depression is a disorder of thought They think of themselves, the environment and the future negatively. Foundations for depression may often lay in childhood As a result of early traumas and bad experiences, negative schemas and NATS are produced.

Sociotropy: related to interpersonal relationships Autonomy: relates to personal achievement

EVALUATION Cognitive theories have been influential and much research has been conducted on it’s behalf. It has paved the way for a range of therapies, many of which are very effective It’s difficult to determine the extent to which negative thinking results in depression. Gotlib and Hammen found that people with depression thought more negatively compared to control groups. However negative thinking could be a result of depression There is no single explanation that covers depression