Psychological Explanations of Depression

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One explanation of depression is the psychodynamic explanation. In this explanation, Freud explained that when a loved one is lost, there is first a mourning period and then after a while, life returns to normal. However, in some cases the mourning period never seems to end and they continue to exist in a constant state of melancholia. Freud also stated that melancholia and mourning are very similar. However, mourning is a natural process whereas melancholia was a pathological illness.

There is research to support the role of early loss in depression. Barnes and Prosen found that men who had lost their fathers through death during childhood scored higher on a depression scale then those whose fathers had not died. This supports the role of early loss in the onset of depression in later life.

However, there also limitations to Freud's explanation. Loss only explains a small percentage of cases of depression. It is estimated that only 10% of those who experience early loss later become depressed. This suggests that depression is

Comments

JessToLetYouKnow

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Really great resource and the split between A01 and A02/3 is so useful - thanks! 

samia

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Great resource but it's not enough for a 24 marker