Etiology of Depression in IB Psychology

Caspi et al. (2003) Research Design

Quasi-experimental, longitudinal study.

Caspi et al. (2003) Sampling

847 New Zealanders, divided by 5-HTT gene type (short/short, short/long, long/long).

Caspi et al. (2003) Findings

43% of those with the short allele developed depression after 4+ stressful life events vs. 17% of long allele group.

Caspi et al. (2003) Conclusion

Supports the diathesis-stress model of depression; genetic vulnerability + stress increases risk.

Caspi et al. (2003) Strengths

Large sample size, gene-environment interaction, real-life relevance.

Caspi et al. (2003) Limitations

Correlational, not causal; ethical concerns with genetic disclosure.

Caspi et al. (2003) Possible Improvement

More diverse sample, consider other genes and cultural factors.

Beck's Cognitive Theory Research Design

Theoretical model (not an empirical study).

Beck's Cognitive Theory Findings

Depression is associated with the cognitive triad negative views of self, world, and future.

Beck's Cognitive Theory Conclusion

Depressed individuals develop maladaptive thought patterns that maintain low mood.

Beck's Cognitive Theory Strengths

Clinically useful (basis for CBT), widely supported.

Beck's Cognitive Theory Limitations

Lacks biological integration, based on self-report.

Beck's Cognitive Theory Possible Improvement

Empirical validation through imaging or prospective designs.

Alloy et al. (1999) Research Design

Longitudinal, correlational study over 6 years.

Alloy et al. (1999) Sampling

American university students, divided into 'positive' and 'negative' thinkers using cognitive style questionnaire.

Alloy et al. (1999) Findings

17% of 'negative thinkers' developed depression vs. 1% of 'positive thinkers'.

Alloy et al. (1999) Conclusion

Negative cognitive style is a risk factor for depression.

Alloy et al. (1999) Strengths

Long-term, predictive value, supports Beck's model.

Alloy et al. (1999) Limitations

Correlational, self-reported data, limited generalizability.

Alloy et al. (1999) Possible Improvement

More culturally diverse sample, use clinical diagnoses.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Research Design

Correlational, structured interviews.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Sampling

2,095 Asian-American immigrants and children of immigrants.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Findings

70% reported discrimination; bilingualism and family cohesion reduced depression rates.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Conclusion

Sociocultural stressors influence depression risk in immigrant populations.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Strengths

Large, diverse sample; real-world relevance; cultural sensitivity.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Limitations

Self-report, correlational, limited control over variables.

Lueck & Wilson (2010) Possible Improvement

Add clinical measures; longitudinal follow-up.

Aetiology

The study of the causes or origins of a disorder.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of energy, and loss of interest or pleasure.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A psychological theory that explains behavior as a result of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.

Cognitive Triad

Beck's model of depression involving negative views of the self, the world, and the future.

Cognitive Distortions

Inaccurate and irrational automatic thoughts or beliefs that contribute to negative emotions and behavior.

Acculturative Stress

Psychological impact of adaptation to a new culture, often involving language barriers, discrimination, and family conflict.

Longitudinal Study

A research method that studies the same participants over a long period of time to detect developmental trends.

Quasi-Experiment

An experimental design where participants are not randomly assigned to conditions due to pre-existing characteristics.

Structured Interview

A research method where participants are asked a set of standardized questions in a fixed order.

Correlational Study

A non-experimental research method that examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.