Social Support

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A single cause of depression has not been identified; however, there is evidence to suggest the potential for a variety of causes stemming from different psychological perspectives. For example, the biological perspective suggests that depression is a result of family history (that is, a genetic link), a chemical imbalance in the brain (for example, depletion of the neurotransmitter serotonin), a specific medical condition (for example, underactive thyroid), or even increased levels of hormones (for example, cortisol—a stress hormone). The cognitive-behavioral perspective suggests that depression is directly influenced by faulty thinking such as low self-esteem, negative outlook on the world and the future, learned helplessness (that is, a perceived lack of control that leads to giving up), and influences based on one’s gender, race, socioeconomic status, levels of social support and stress, or other environmental events (for example, divorce).

Based on your research into the causes of depression from your assigned perspective (cognitive-behavioral perspective), debate the following:

• Which comes first: Does a biochemical imbalance, medical condition, or change in hormone level cause changes in mood and faulty thinking, which leads to depression? Or do changes in mood and faulty thinking cause a biochemical imbalance, which then leads to depression?

DISCUSSION INSTRUCTIONS

For this debate, you will:

1. Post your original position statement.

In order to keep the discussion focused and clear, everyone will adopt a specific standard for their responses as follows:Position statement: Position statements should include a discussion of the issue, a detailed description of the perspective, and three individual arguments you have developed to support your position. The standard for posting your position statement is as follows:

• Describe the issue.
• Describe the perspective you are championing.
• Describe three arguments with evidence from research to support arguments for your perspective.