Sociocultural Etiology

Vulnerability model of depression

based on the idea that depression may be the result of genetics interacting with the environment

Model

based on various factors that could increase or decrease the likelihood of developing depression

Protective Factors

decrease the risk of depression. eg stable job and healthy relationship

Vulnerability Factors

long term traits and conditions that can increase the risk of depression. eg genetic factors, self esteem

Provoking Agents

Short term/external events and stressors that aft as triggers. eg loss of a loved one, end of a relationship

Strengths

Biological Support, explains cultural and gender differences

Limitations

correlation not causation, invalid measure of stress

Brown and Harris Aim

to investigate how depression could be linked to social factors and stressful life events

B&H method

• took a survey of women living in south london

• looked at their daily life and depressive episodes

• used interviews to understand particular life events

B&H results

• of the women who had developed depression 90% of the had faced an adverse life events or difficulty

• 30% of women who did not become depressed had a challenge

• lower class + children made it more likely to develop depression

Nicholson Aim

To investigate the extent of social inequalities of depression in Europe

Nicholson Method

• conducted a cross sectional survey that looked at three points in thier lives

  • childhood, education, current socioeconomic status

Nicholson Results

• current socioeconomic status was the largest influence

• most disadvantage groups were 5x more likely to report depressive episodes

• low amenities and finances = depressive symptoms