Explanations Cognitive Psychodynamic Treatments Cognitive psychodynamic

In pairs, look at the research. Highlight the key points and use the following terms to evaluate the studies P4 Correlation Causal relationship Internal validity Sample bias Reliability Risk factor

First: Cognitive evaluation In pairs, spider diagram what you think are the general weaknesses of the cognitive explanation of depression. Use devices/textbooks to extend your evaluation

Consider these evaluation points in groups, try to develop them further and explain why they are problematic for the cognitive explanation of depression 1.It is not clearly understood why negative thinking develops in the first place. 2.The explanation does not take into account biological factors. 3.The explanation focuses on the individual’s thought processes more than on social factors. 4.It tends to blame the individual for not thinking ‘correctly’.

Psychodynamic approach

Read the research and highlight key points. You have 10 minutes to try and remember as much as you can.

Whose research is whose? studied 250 women who had lost their mothers as a result of separation or death before the age of 17. They found that the women were twice as likely to suffer depression or anxiety disorders. The rate of depression was even higher for women who had lost their mother before the age of 6. Bifulco et al. (1992)

Whose research is whose? Used fMRI to test the hypothesis that people suffering from major depression tend to experience more guilt and self-blame rather than blaming others. Twenty-five depressed patients (no co-morbidity) and a control group of 22 participants with no history of depression themselves or in their family had their brains scanned while responding to statements (e.g. [patient’s name] does act stingily towards [best friend’s name] or [best friend’s name] does act stingily towards [patient’s name]). After scanning, participants were asked to identify a feeling associated with each (guilt, shame, contempt or disgust, indignation or anger). Those with a history of depression did not link together brain areas for guilt and knowing how to behave as strongly as the control group, specifically when feeling guilty or blaming themselves. Depressed patients may not know what they did wrong when they feel guilty because they are not using that part of the brain, therefore they feel guilty for things they are not responsible for. Green et al. (2012)

Whose research is whose? Found that adult female twins who had suffered loss or separation in childhood were more likely to suffer from depression. Kendler et al. (1996)

Whose research is whose? found that depressed people expressed those feelings towards others they were close to. Weissman et al. (1971)

Whose research is whose? Found claims that fewer than 10% of people do. If only 10% of depressed patients have experienced loss, there must be some other explanation as well as or instead of the psychodynamic one. The way that early losses are dealt with by those close to children could be more important than the loss itself. Bonanno 2004

Whose research is whose? Found no evidence that repressed anger and hostility would be evident in dreams, according to Freudian theory. Beck & Ward (1961)

General evaluation The explanation of depression has low population validity because Freud predominantly studied middle class, middle aged, Vienesse women so it makes it hard to generalise this theory of depression to anyone other than wealthy, women from Vienna. Not all people who are depressed have suffered a loss of a loved one so can’t account for all depression. Whilst there is evidence that some people who experience loss become depressed (Bifulco 1987) not all people who suffer a loss of a parent do actually become depressed. Bonanno 2004 claims fewer than 10% of people in fact do.

What is positive about it? It does acknowledge that depression occurs as a response to an event in your life – so the depression could be described as reactive. It also recognises influences of which we are unaware What benefits does this have?

Further issues and debates and approaches 1.Why is the approach unfalsifiable and unverifiable and so what? 2.Why is the approach culturally biased? 3.Why is the approach gender biased and what type? 4.Why may the explanation for depression be socially sensitive?

Comparison chart Create your own comparison chart comparing the cognitive and psychodynamic approach. Plan an answer to the exam question: Outline two psychological explanations of depression (8 marks) Evaluate biological and psychological explanations of depression (16 marks)

Debate Outline your explanation of depression – Biological (Genetics, neurotransmitter, hormones) – Psychological (cognitive, psychodynamic) Why is your explanation better. Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of your explanation and the other explanation to support your argument.

Psychodynamic therapy Aim: To bring to consciousness repressed and painful memories from childhood making the client aware of the cause for depression. This should make the person cope better with their inner conflicts that are causing the depression. Experiences of childhood loss and rejection are concentrated on as they are key to the development of depression Ways of uncovering unconscious: Transference and free association This insight enables the client to deal with loss more effectively, become less dependent on others, and make appropriate changes to their everyday life. This should end the client’s depression. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) It aims to change the way that people think. Encourages the client to consider the beliefs and expectations that are at the root of their depression and to replace their irrational, negative thoughts with more positive, adaptive (helpful) ones. Focus is on both cognitive (focusing on thoughts) and behavioural (focusing on action) elements. Basic stages: awareness, challenge, role play Once the client develops more rational, positive beliefs their depression should end. An example of cognitive therapy: Ellis’s rational emotive-behavioural therapy (REBT) – uses ABC model