Understanding Major Depressive Disorder and Sociocultural Factors ERQ

What is abnormal psychology?

The scientific study of psychological disorders and maladaptive behaviors.

What is etiology?

A set of causes or factors contributing to the development of a disorder.

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

An affective disorder characterized by symptoms like depressed mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.

DSM-5 symptoms of MDD

Depressed mood, loss of interest/pleasure, weight change, sleep disturbances, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness/guilt, concentration difficulties, suicidal thoughts.

What is sociocultural etiology?

Focuses on how social and cultural factors (e.g. stress, social support, inequality) increase susceptibility to depression.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Aim

To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic inequality and depression among men in Eastern Europe.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Participants

Men aged 45-59 from Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Procedure

Cross-sectional survey measuring depression symptoms, socioeconomic status, perceived social status, and neighborhood inequality.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Results

Higher socioeconomic inequality and low perceived social status associated with more depressive symptoms; stressful events and low support also important.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Conclusion

Socioeconomic disadvantage and social inequality increase depression risk; social factors are key in understanding depression.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Strengths

Large, cross-cultural sample; real-world relevance; highlights social determinants of mental health.

Nicholson et al. (2008) - Limitations

Cross-sectional design; no causality; male-only sample; self-report bias.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Aim

To investigate how social factors predict depression onset in elderly Finnish adults.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Participants

1,529 Finnish adults aged 61+.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Procedure

Longitudinal study; baseline depression assessment (1984-85); follow-up interviews (1989-90) on social variables and life events.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Results

Depression predictors in men: poor spouse relationship, early parental loss, neighbor conflict, grandchild divorce, institutional care, alcohol problems; in women: early father loss, low religious activity, social isolation, alcohol problems.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Conclusion

Social factors and changing social ties predict depression onset; gender differences in stress and coping.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Strengths

Longitudinal design; large sample; gender analysis; multiple social factors.

Kivelä et al. (1996) - Limitations

Cultural specificity; self-report bias; focus on elderly—less generalizable to younger groups.

How does culture influence depression?

Cultural factors moderate depression expression; stigma can lead to underreporting or somatization.

Discussion paragraph summary

Nicholson et al. show socioeconomic inequality affects depression; Kivelä et al. show social ties and life events matter; both support a holistic sociocultural understanding of MDD.