Psychosocial Factors and Depression
Research focused on the environmental, social, and psychological causes of depression has identified several factors involved in the development of this condition:
Life Events
Research has been conducted on the impact of severe negative events that involve stress or threat and that are likely to be upsetting such as death, losing a job, marital discord, and financial problems (Jenaway and Paykel 1997; Thoits 1999). Higher rates of negative life events were found among depressed patients as compared to people who were not depressed (Jenaway and Paykel 1997). A higher percentage of depressed than nondepressed women reported at least one severe event in the previous nine months (Thoits 1999). Depressed adults report more negative childhood experiences such as separation from a parent, family turmoil, parental psychopathology, and physical or sexual abuse (Kessler 1997).
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is related to depression although it is difficult to determine whether stress causes depression or the reverse. One study demonstrated that chronic marital difficulties are associated with depression. The correlation between unemployment and depression is also influenced by the stress imposed by the financial burdens that may result from unemployment.
Interpersonal Experience
Research suggests that depression is due to the development of certain personality traits such as lack of connection to others, overconnection with others, self-sacrifice, negative self-concept, or shyness—each related to interactions with others, particularly parents and significant others (Joiner, Coyne, and Blalock 1999).
