Cogntive approach to explaining depression

• Supporting evidence

  Grazioli and Terry (2000)- found that women high in cognitive vulnerability were more likely to suffer post-natal depression. Suggests that faulty cognitions are linked to depression.
• Practical applications

  This is because it forms the basis of cognitive behavioural therapy in which the cognitive aspects of depression are identified and challenged by a therapist.

  
  

  Support for CBT comes from Bulter et al. (2006)- who found in their meta-analysis that CBT was an effective treatment for depression.
• Other explanations

  There is evidence that depression does have a biological component. Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin are associated with depression.
• Ignores situational factors and blames the patient

  It ignores situational factors such as life events or family problems and how these could contribute to depression. Does consider how changing factors in their life may improve their depression.

  
  

  + However, patients do have the power to change things themselves.