Name: CARNALAN, Nadazhda Nikita E. Course/Yr/Sec: ___PSY31___
I. Analysis of the Etiology of the Disorder using the Multipath Model
A. Dimension One: Biological Factors
The focus of biological explanations is generally on neurotransmitters and stress-related physiological irregularities. Heredity actually plays a role in the known depressive disorders, it runs in families. Prevalence studies of Depressive disorders have shown that incidence of these disorders are remarkably higher among biological relatives compared to adoptive families (Levinson, 2006). Furthermore, it has been found out that genetic influences on depression becomes evident after puberty. Other biological factors includes Biochemical irregularities involving neurotransmitters, specifically the involvement of serotonin as one of the targets of antidepressant medications. Furthermore, stress reactivity and cortisol levels are associated with depression. (Sue et al, 2016)
B. Dimension Two: Psychological Factors
Moving on, the focus of behavioral explanations of depressive disorders however, focuses on reduced reinforcement following personal losses, loved ones, relatives, friends, anyone in the social circle of an individual. This stresses the significance of support groups in each and every individual that goes through stress and depression. Under psychological factors is the cognitive exegesis of depressive disorders. Cognitive explanations is focused on negative attributions and thinking patterns including irrational beliefs, and cogitation or rumination. (Sue et al, 2016)
C. Dimension Three: Social Factors
The Social Dimension of the Depressive disorders focused more on the interpersonal stressors that triggers and increases the vulnerability of a person to depression. Studies showed that early life neglect, maltreatment, abuse and parental loss all contributes to the development of the condition. (Sue et al, 2016)
D. Dimension Four: Socio-cultural Factors
Lastly, the Sociocultural Dimension of Depressive Disorders exhibits the importance of gender, sexual orientation and experiences of discrimination. Often, in some cultures, depression is expressed in the forms of physical challenge rather than emotional one. Additionally, race and ethnicity as part of the bases of perceived discrimination, are found to be associated with depression (Juang & Cookston, 2009). Furthermore, societal stressors, specifically prejudice and discrimination for being gay, lesbian or bisexual can also result in depression. (Sue et al, 2016) References: Levinson, D. F. (2006). The genetics of depression: A review. Biological Psychiatry, 60, 8492. Juang, L. P., & Cookston, J. T. (2009). Acculturation, discrimination, and depressive symptoms among Chinese American adolescents: A longitudinal study. Journal of Primary Prevention, 30, 475496. David Sue; Derald Wing Sue; Stanley Sue;Diane M. Sue. (2016). Understanding Abnormal Behavior. Cengage Learning.