Explaining Depression and Addiction

Two psychological problems

Depression and addiction are two common psychological problems. Psychologists explain why they develop in three main ways: genetic, cognitive and learning explanations. This module looks at those explanations and the debate behind them. Both conditions are treated clinically and sensitively here.

Key terms

Learn these before you weigh the explanations:

Match each feature to what it means

Symptoms of depression

Which of these is a recognised symptom of depression?

• Persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities
• Needing far less sleep and feeling elated for weeks
• A high temperature and a cough
• Improved concentration and boundless energy

Three explanations

Psychologists explain these problems in three main ways. Genetic: some people inherit a predisposition, shown by family and twin studies. Cognitive: negative, faulty thinking patterns, used mainly to explain depression. Learning: behaviour learned through reinforcement, used mainly to explain addiction.

Match each explanation to its core idea

The genetic explanation

The genetic explanation says people can inherit a _____ to depression or addiction. Evidence comes from _____ studies, which compare identical and non-identical pairs. Genes are thought to affect brain _____, such as the chemicals that control mood and _____.

The cognitive theory

The cognitive theory of depression centres on Beck's negative triad. What is it?

• Negative views of the self, the world and the future
• A diet plan for improving mood
• Three medications taken together
• A type of brain scan

The reinforcement cycle

Learning theory explains addiction through reinforcement. Put the operant cycle in order.

• A person uses a substance or repeats a behaviour
• It brings a reward, such as pleasure or relief
• The reward reinforces the behaviour
• The behaviour is repeated and becomes a habit

Nature versus nurture

These explanations sit in the nature versus nurture debate. The genetic explanation is a nature view: problems come from inherited biology. The cognitive and learning explanations are nurture views: problems come from thoughts and experiences. Most psychologists think the two interact.

The learning theory of addiction

Select the TWO statements that fit the learning theory of addiction.

• A reward reinforces the behaviour, making it more likely
• Cues in the environment become linked to using
• Addiction is caused only by inherited genes
• Addiction comes from negative views of the future

The explanations summary

There are three explanations. The _____ explanation points to inherited genes. The _____ explanation points to negative thinking and best explains depression. The _____ explanation points to reinforcement and best explains addiction. Genes are a _____ factor, while thoughts and experience are nurture factors.

Which explanation?

Read each explanation and decide which type it is.

• "She inherited a vulnerability to depression that runs in her family." This is a...
• "He keeps thinking the future is hopeless, which deepens his low mood." This is a...
• "The pleasure reinforced the behaviour until it became a habit." This is a...

Explain an explanation

Explain one genetic, cognitive or learning explanation for depression or addiction.

• Name the explanation and the condition it applies to
• Describe what the explanation claims
• Give one piece of support or an example