Compact notes for Abnormal Psychology

• What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

  A mood disorder with persistent sadness
• What are the symptoms required for MDD diagnosis?

  At least five symptoms for two weeks
• What is the etiology of MDD best explained by?

  An integrated approach of multiple factors
• What are the key frameworks for understanding MDD?

  Diathesis-Stress Model and Vulnerability Model
• What does the Genetic Predisposition Hypothesis suggest?

  MDD has a heritable component
• How do twin studies estimate genetic contributions to MDD?

  By comparing concordance rates of twins
• What does higher concordance in MZ twins indicate?

  Genetic component in behavior similarity
• What does the diathesis-stress model claim?

  Genetic predisposition interacts with stress
• What was the aim of Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Investigate heritability of MDD by gender
• What was the sample size in Kendler et al. (2006)?

  42,000 Swedish twins
• What were the concordance rates for MZ twins in Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Females: 44%, Males: 31%
• What were the concordance rates for DZ twins in Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Females: 16%, Males: 11%
• What was the overall heritability estimate for MDD in Kendler et al. (2006)?

  38%
• What conclusion was drawn from Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Genetics significantly influence MDD, especially in women
• What is a strength of Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Large sample size enhances generalizability
• What is a limitation of Kendler et al. (2006)?

  Correlational data cannot prove causation
• What was the aim of Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Examine interaction of 5-HTT gene and stress
• What was the sample size in Caspi et al. (2003)?

  847 New Zealanders
• What were participants grouped by in Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Genotype of the 5-HTT gene
• What was assessed in Caspi et al. (2003) between ages 21-26?

  Depression symptoms and stressful life events
• What was a key result from Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Short alleles + high stress = higher MDD risk
• What conclusion supports the diathesis-stress model in Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Genetic vulnerability increases risk with stress
• What is a strength of Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Longitudinal design tracks development over time
• What is a limitation of Caspi et al. (2003)?

  Self-report may introduce bias
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the TEACUP evaluation for biological explanations of MDD?

  Strengths:

  • Testable predictions from twin studies
  • Strong empirical evidence from studies

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • May overlook sociocultural diversity
  • Predictive validity is not deterministic
• What does Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression state?

  MDD results from cognitive distortions
• What is the core component of Beck’s Cognitive Theory?

  Cognitive Triad: self, world, future
• How do early life schemas influence MDD?

  They activate negative perceptions under stress
• What was the aim of Alloy et al. (1999)?

  Determine if cognitive styles predict MDD
• What was the procedure in Alloy et al. (1999)?

  Freshmen assessed for cognitive risk styles
• What were the results of Alloy et al. (1999)?

  HR group had higher rates of depression onset
• What conclusion was drawn from Alloy et al. (1999)?

  Negative cognitive styles increase vulnerability to MDD
• What is a strength of Alloy et al. (1999)?

  Longitudinal design establishes temporal relationship
• What is a limitation of Alloy et al. (1999)?

  Sample limited to American students
• What was the aim of Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Examine cognitive vulnerability and stress interaction
• What was the procedure in Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Students assessed for dysfunctional attitudes
• What were the results of Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Dysfunctional beliefs + exam failure = increased depression
• What conclusion supports the diathesis-stress model in Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Cognitive style + stress increases MDD risk
• What is a strength of Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Real-world stressor enhances ecological validity
• What is a limitation of Joiner et al. (1999)?

  Small sample limits generalizability