Prevelance rates ERQ

What is abnormal psychology?

The study of psychological disorders and maladaptive behaviors.

What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

An affective disorder with symptoms like persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest.

DSM-5 symptoms of MDD

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

What is prevalence?

The proportion of individuals in a population who have a disorder at a given time.

Aim - Nicholson

To investigate gender and class differences in depression and how social and economic stressors influence MDD prevalence across Eastern European countries.

Nicholson 2008 - Participants

12,053 men and 13,582 women in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Nicholson - Procedure

Depressive symptoms were examined in relation to socio-economic circumstances at three phases of the life-course: childhood, university and current circumstances and compared.

Nicholson - Results

Women experienced significantly higher rates of MDD than men, but men were more affected by CURRENT social disadvantages. Richer men had lower rates than poorer men.

Nicholson - Conclusion

Current social circumstances are the strongest influence on increased depressive symptoms in countries which have recently experienced social changes.

Nicholson - Strengths

Large, diverse sample improves external validity and allows for generalization to other transitional societies.

Identifies clear links between sociocultural stressors and MDD, supporting the sociocultural model of etiology.

Nicholson - Limitations

Correlational study—cannot establish causation between variables such as unemployment and MDD.

Cultural and economic differences in Eastern Europe may reduce applicability to other global contexts.

What is the aim of Furnham and Malik (1994)?

To investigate cross-cultural beliefs about depression and reporting.

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Participants

152 female subjects in two age groups: young (aged 17–28) and middle-aged (35–62). Half of the participants were Native British, the other half were of Asian origin (born and educated in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh).

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Procedure

Quasi-experiment with questionnaires about depression symptoms and beliefs.

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Results

 Perception of depression differed among Asian and British participants. For example, Asian participants (but not British participants) believed depression is temporary and can be fixed by having a job outside the home. These differences were less pronounced in the group of younger women. Asian middle-aged women reported being depressed significantly less than the younger group. 

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Conclusion

Cultural beliefs affect symptom reporting; collectivistic cultures may underreport to professionals and rather to families.

Globalisation seems to erase these effects as younger generations report more to professionals

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Strengths

Highlights cultural factors; helps explain underdiagnosis in some groups.

Furnham and Malik (1994) - Limitations

Self-report bias; small, female-only sample; generalizability limited.

Discussion - Kessler and Bromet vs. Furnham and Malik

Kessler and Bromet show global depression prevalence with country differences; Furnham and Malik show cultural beliefs influence reporting and perceived rates.

Why is culture important in prevalence studies?

Cultural stigma and beliefs can lead to underreporting or different symptom expression, affecting measured prevalence.

How does globalization affect cultural differences?

Globalization can reduce cultural differences in reporting as younger generations adopt more individualistic attitudes.

What is the role of stigma in prevalence rates?

Stigma may cause people in some cultures to report symptoms to family rather than professionals, leading to lower official rates.

What is the benefit of integrating both studies?

It helps understand that prevalence differences arise from both real differences in occurrence and differences in reporting, requiring culturally sensitive approaches.

Conclusion summary

Prevalence rates of depression depend on culture, stigma, and diagnostic practices; combining biological and sociocultural perspectives is key.