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Sociocultural Explanation For Depression

May 6, 2025

Lecture Notes: Behavioral and Cultural Explanations for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Behavioral Explanation for MDD

  • Overview:

    • Behavioral explanation includes Social Cognitive Theory.
    • Behaviorism posits behavior is learned via conditioning: classical (association) and operant (consequences).
    • Assumes behaviors are responses to environmental stimuli.
  • Operant Conditioning:

    • Reinforcement:
      • Positive: Repeating pleasurable experiences due to positive consequences.
      • Negative: Avoiding aversive experiences due to negative consequences.
      • Punishment: Action against someone for transgressions.
    • Example: Avoiding dressing style criticized by others.
  • Classical Conditioning:

    • Involves associating stimuli with experiences, e.g., associating a party with enjoyment to repeat the action.
  • Impact on MDD:

    • Loss of positive reinforcement from activities (e.g., socializing) can lead to depression.
    • Creates a negative feedback loop reducing productivity and motivation.

Study 1: Lewinsohn et al. (1990)

  • Aim: Compare positive reinforcement in MDD vs. non-depressive patients.
  • Procedure:
    • 30 patients with MDD, other disorders, and controls.
    • Daily questionnaires over 30 days evaluating mood and pleasant activities.
    • Activities rated for enjoyment and repetition on a scale of 0-3.
  • Results:
    • Positive correlation between mood and engaging in pleasant activities.
  • Conclusion:
    • Link between pleasant activities (positive reinforcement) and good moods.

Study Evaluation

  • Reliability: Standardized questionnaires and scales.
  • Validity: Longitudinal design tracks mood and activities over time.
  • Limitations: Social desirability bias and individual differences affect internal validity.

Cultural Explanation for MDD

  • Overview:

    • Examines role of social norms and cultural contexts in understanding mental illness.
    • Cultural norms influence behavior and attitudes towards mental illness.
  • Cultural Contexts:

    • Impact understanding and interpretation of MDD symptoms.
    • Ethnomedical approach: Individualistic culture prioritizes self; collectivist culture emphasizes group, reducing MDD focus.

Study 2: Karasz (2005)

  • Aim: Investigate cultural differences in MDD conceptualization and treatment.
  • Participants:
    • 36 South Asian (SA) immigrants and 37 European Americans (EA).
    • SA: Low acculturation; EA: Higher financial security and academic attainment.
  • Procedure:
    • Used Illness Representation Model (IRM) to explore views on mental illness.
    • Participants analyzed a woman's MDD symptoms based on IRM dimensions.
  • Results:
    • EA provided longer, varied explanations; SA simpler, social/moral interpretations.
    • EA saw MDD as a medical disorder; SA viewed it as a practical problem.
  • Conclusion:
    • Cultural differences in mental illness conceptualization; SA less likely to seek clinical help.

Study Evaluation

  • General:
    • Semi-structured interviews provided insightful qualitative data.
    • IRM framework ensured control and reliability.
  • Limitations:
    • Acculturation affects generalizability.
    • Possible ethnocentric bias in findings.

Theory Evaluation

  • Behaviorism:
    • Focus on observable behaviors aids experimental research.
    • Neglects cognitive elements like thinking patterns.
  • Cultural Approach:
    • Highlights globalization’s impact on cultural understanding of mental illness.
    • Risks reinforcing stereotypes; challenges in distinguishing individualistic vs. collectivist cultures.