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1 Depression Student’s name Professor’s name Course Date 2 Depression Introduction In the field of psychology, it is ideal to consider various ideas that impact the welfare that people enjoy in terms of their mental health. These processes can be achieved using an approach that uses a viewpoint of radical behaviorism. This is because it would be essential to understand the different environmental contingencies that create behavioral patterns and, in doing so, reflect symptoms of depression. ” Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical or unipolar depression, is one of the most common mental health disorders among people ages 15 to 44 (Alyssa, 2022).” With these statistics, it is notable that a unique advantage is created in understanding these factors since, through this, it is possible to promote reinforcing contingencies that may be used to maintain the needed room of considerations that people who are predisposed to such challenges require. This is vital in radical behavior analysis because, like many other mental health illnesses, depression is more common than people think, and it affects how individuals act, their thinking, feelings and how they relate with others (Malhi & Mahn, 2018). This is a big challenge because people experience depressive symptoms, and they tend to have a positive belief of rumination in that they think it is positive when, in actuality, it is actually harmful (Takano et al., 2019). This paper, therefore, investigates a radical behavior analysis of depression, promoting that this issue is caused by varying environmental factors that can be treated with different forms of interventions that show promise in terms of efficiency in reducing the prevalence of depression. Psychology or Layperson Viewpoint 3 To understand the issue of depression, it is essential to consider the layperson’s viewpoint that is associated with this challenge in the sense that research indicates that people understand that there are several ideas that lead to symptoms of this mental issue. The layperson’s viewpoint, therefore, focuses on an approach that offers a sense of understanding that is perceived by individuals who are not necessarily experts in psychology or fields that relate to it. This viewpoint is critical because it offers a platform of perception that has the most common adaptation when it comes to the diverse populations in the world and how they relate to divergent challenges. This implies that the perspectives used in this case can provide insightful information that favors this type of inquiry. Causes of Depression From a layperson’s viewpoint using the radical behaviorism perspective, it is worth noting that depression is caused by different environmental and behavioral factors. Environment Factors Environmental factors refer to the external factors that surround an individual, implying that these are present in the immediate location that a person interacts with (Daze, 2022). One of the environmental factors that causes depression, based on the layperson’s viewpoint, is exposure to violence. When people are exposed to continuous acts of violence, their mental health is limited by the things they see and the variety of experiences they must endure. This means that when such exposure is constant, it is possible that a person may develop limitations to their mental wellness as they may be forced into a situation where they perceive negativity as a constant in their lives. This also aligns with the layperson’s viewpoint on the issue because many people assume that when the type of environment that a person, especially a child, is raised in 4 has constant conflict and or violence, there is a high chance that this person may suffer from depression. Pollution Pollution refers to the creation of outcomes that limit the wellness of the environment when it comes to quality. There are different types of pollution, including air, water and noise pollution. It is important to note that living in an environment that has been affected by pollution in an alarming manner promotes the issue of depression. This is because such a situation creates negative environmental reinforcement, which in turn affects people’s emotional responses (Daze, 2022). From a layperson’s viewpoint, polluted environments diminish the overall amount of joy that people have as they interact with their surroundings. In many cases, people reflect on what they experience, and this behavior is highly promoted by environmental features that are present around them. When the environment is affected by pollution, people are more likely to form adaptive behaviors that include different aspects namely avoiding going outside or reducing the total amount of time used in interactions that are outdoors. This presents a challenge because it promotes unique conditions that have the common characteristic of increasing isolation. Socioeconomic Stress Many individuals who suffer from the issue of depression are pushed towards such a state by external factors like social economics stress. Socioeconomic stress refers to the various challenges that people face that are unique to their position on the socioeconomic scale. It is worth considering that the expectations that people must and are able to deliver when it comes to their financial or economic needs determine the amount of welfare they can enjoy. This is to say that people who have adequate room to access their needs without limitations that impact their 5 choice of access to different resources for instance food and housing, are more likely to be happy and less depressed. On the other hand, those individuals who have to constantly pursue numerous jobs to make ends meet are far more likely to suffer from depression as they interact with various stressful situations that exert fatigue and offer inadequate pay. From a layperson’s viewpoint, socioeconomic welfare determines the challenges that people face and the amount of room that they have as they make choices that bring them happiness. This implies that those who do not have a big room of choice due to socioeconomic challenges such as lack of jobs are far more likely to face the challenge of depression. Financial troubles, therefore, present as one of the primary causes of depression in different communities, and the intensity of the issue is determined by other factors which include, the number of dependents that a person must care for with the little income they receive. Career Choice From a layperson’s viewpoint, the choice of a career that a person pursues may be implicative to their general wellness when it comes to their mental health. This is to say that some jobs are more stressful than others, hence creating more mental stress for the individuals who pursue these professions. A good example is in the case of people who work in military occupations. These individuals are found to have higher depression rates due to the exposure they receive when it comes to life-and-death situations. In this case, the main challenge is created when a person’s work environment promotes conditions that do not complement their mental welfare either through burdening them with heavy targets they must meet or having expectations that derail health through promoting actions that are negatively impactful, like requiring them to kill. From a layperson’s point of view, the cause of depression in this case is promoted by work stress, with an example being in the case of people working in the healthcare environment, for 6 example nurses. These individuals are expected to deliver quality experiences to patients and, in the same capacity, sustain a comprehensive standard of practice despite being underpaid and overworked. Due to these aspects, one of the most common causes of depression is environmental factors that are present in the workplace, and such an aspect is demonstrated in the type of welfare that individuals who work in healthcare facilities, particularly nurses, have depicted. Treatment The treatment of depression is provided using different strategies that are all aimed at reverting a person’s welfare back to a position where they can enjoy a quality life. In this case, treatment remedies could be used to promote mental wellness. Anti-depressant Medication These types of medication are one of the most used interventions to treat issues related to depression, and they help in promoting the emotional welfare that a person has by targeting specific parts of the brain that cause behavioral responses associated with depression. These parts are affected by concerns of memory and perception (LeMoult & Gotlib, 2019). Medication, therefore, has the advantage of positively reinforcing attributes that promote mental welfare within the person being assisted. When a person is prescribed anti-depressant medication, their welfare is therefore promoted in a way that allows them to feel more content and happier about different ideas in their lives, such as the daily experiences they engage in. Environmental Restructuring Considering that one of the primary causes of depression among different people in the world is environmental challenges, the restructuring of the environments that these individuals 7 are in can be used as an intervention to treat depression. Environmental restructuring entails modifying a person’s surroundings to promote their welfare. This approach may entail ideas such as cleaning up the environments that people are surrounded with to reduce the impact of pollution on their mental wellness or setting restrictions to control noise pollution, thereby reducing the chances of people being depressed because of being exposed to overbearing sounds (Daze, 2022). Another example of using this kind of approach is offering employees who work in a stressful environment more conducive features that may include aspects such as more work breaks and days off. Behavioral Activation At times, the best intervention to help solve the issue of depression is the use of behavioral activation, and this includes assisting individuals to engage in activities that they find more interesting and rewarding. The aim of this approach is to ensure that the moods and wellness of people can be positively reinforced by creating an environment where these individuals participate in activities that they like and appreciate (Katz et al., 2020). In doing so, it is possible to reduce misery and sorrow, hence promote pleasure, which in turn reduces depressive symptoms (Baum, 2017). Most individuals can benefit from this approach given that it has the unique ability to be open to a variety of ideas since what makes a person happy is considered in this intervention. This means that people can be immersed in the unique needs of such processes. This approach aligns with the reward system used in the reinforcement sensitivity theory, which promotes the use of punishments and rewards as ways of promoting specific behavior (Katz et al., 2020). The cognitive behavior theory can also be used in this case since it can allow specific behavior to be promoted (Fu et al., 2019). With the Dutch anxiety and depression mood scale, any progress can be measured (Hamers et al., 2019). 8 Social Skill Training It is ideal to note that social skills are considered a critical feature that determines the level of dependence that a person can have on the people around them. This implies that it is possible to promote welfare by teaching individuals who are depressed different ways of effectively communicating with others and, in doing so, fostering an environment where it can be possible to rely on various social structures, such as their family, to offer them support whenever they feel moody. Exercise and Physical Activity Regular physical activity has shown adequate capability in reducing stress and depression levels, and this is because these activities help in the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation. In such an environment, it is possible for a person to benefit when they regularly exercise to a point where the mood they have is significantly and positively promoted. As an intervention to promote the welfare that people have in relation to reducing depression, individuals are encouraged to set several goals that are attainable and work hard towards meeting these goals; hence, in doing so, they receive the satisfaction of achievement, which is vital in positive reinforcement of good moods. This approach is also ideal because it promotes the aspect of participation as, gradually, people may start having the desire to become part of different social circles they interact with. Radical Behaviorism Viewpoint Effects of depression on the Brain Several parts of the brain are affected by depression, and these parts include the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdala. These issues are created when people interact 9 with environmental stimuli that challenge their brain function (Thyer, 2015). As a result of such interactions, an outcome is created that entails the limitation of capabilities surrounding memory processing and emotional regulation (Ingram, 2012). This implies that the brain composition in people who are affected by the issue of depression is significantly varies since different regions showcase patterns that are unique to this condition. Role of CBT as a Form of Treatment for Depression In the light of the radical behaviorism perspective, the cognitive behavioral theory is an important addition when it comes to an understanding of environmental influences on mental health as well as the modification of different cognitive patterns in a bid to promote welfare (Pierce & Cheney, 2017). The cognitive behavioral theory plays a significant role in the sense that it allows therapists to help navigate through environmental reinforcement as a way of promoting the mental health of their patients (Costello, 2016). Through this theory, it is possible to understand how unique factors that people are exposed to can contribute to how they act and react (Davison, 2022). Is CBT a More Efficient Strategy for Treatment CBT has a significant and impactful nature that promotes the wellness of people who are depressed. CBT is considered an efficient strategy because, through this approach, it is possible to break down issues into smaller parts and, in doing so, prioritize current problems that may have the most significant impact on the current mental health state of a person (Popovic, 2020). For example, the theory can prioritize the work environment as a primary cause of mental health challenges that an individual is going through. Comparison of CBT and Medication Options as Treatment For Depression 10 Both the use of medication and CBT promote welfare by considering the prevalent behavior that a person depicts since these are the symptoms of their issue. In both cases, the mechanism of intervention promoted investigates different ways in which the immediate environment that a person is in could significantly derail their mental welfare. Both forms of treatment also prioritize issues that a person is facing based on urgency and impact. This is to say that the most significant challenges and those with the most urgency are considered priority needs in both cases. Difference Between CBT and Medication as Forms of Treatment The main difference between these two approaches is that medication focuses on the manipulation of neurochemical components of the brain that promote sadness and depression. On the other hand, cognitive behavioral theory focuses on underlying behaviors and thoughts that may be impactful to the mental health that people enjoy. Another difference is that medication offers temporary help since there is a high chance of people falling into a depressive state when they are not taking their medication. However, cognitive behavior therapy allows people to gradually form habits that offer long-term solutions to their mental health needs. Areas that Need More Research More research needs to be done into the efficacy of using cognitive behavior theory (CBT) and anti-depressant medication as remedies for treating depression. A question that needs to be answered is: what is the impact of environmental factors on the choice of treatment that is offered? Conclusion 11 Through the radical behaviorism viewpoint, it has been possible to identify that depression is an issue that is prevalent in society, and it is caused by different factors, including environmental challenges such as pollution, work stress and socioeconomic challenges people face. The use of various therapies has been promoted as remedies to mitigate the challenges of depression, with an example being the case of using behavior restructuring and anti-depressant medication. The use of cognitive behavior theory (CBT) has also been promoted as an essential way of treating depression. Therefore, it was clear that there are different factors with external attributes that cause depression. However, the influence of these issues can be treated with other forms of interventions, including CBT, which has shown much promise as an intervention mechanism. 12 References Alyssa. (2022, May 16). Common Environmental Factors of Depression | Banyan Pompano. Banyan Treatment Center. https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/2022/05/16/common-environmental-factors-ofdepression-pompano/ Baum, W. M. (2017). Understanding behaviourism: Behavior, culture, and evolution. John Wiley & Sons. Costello, C. G. (2016). Depression: Loss of Reinforcers or Loss of Reinforcer Effectiveness? – Republished Article. Behavior Therapy, 47, 595-599. Davison, G. C. (2022). Personal Perspectives on the Development of Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In Behavior Therapy: First, Second, and Third Waves (pp. 17-52). Cham: Springer International Publishing. Daze, G. (2022, May 2). Environmental Depression Risk Factors and Impacts. BrainsWay. https://www.brainsway.com/knowledge-center/environmental-factors-and Fu, Z., Brouwer, M., Kennis, M., Williams, A., Cuijpers, P., & Bockting, C. (2021). Psychological factors for the onset of depression: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ open, 11(7), e050129. Hamers, P. C., van Ool, J. S., Festen, D. A., Hendriksen, J. G., Bindels, P. J., & Hermans, H. (2019). Reliability and validity of the Dutch Anxiety, Depression And Mood Scale in adults aged< 50 years with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(3), 568-574. 13 Ingram, R. E. (Ed.). (2012). Contemporary psychological approaches to depression: Theory, research, and treatment. Springer Science & Business Media. Katz, B. A., Matanky, K., Aviram, G., & Yovel, I. (2020). Reinforcement sensitivity, depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis and meta-analytic structural equation model. Clinical Psychology Review, 77, 101842. LeMoult, J., & Gotlib, I. H. (2019). Depression: A cognitive perspective. Clinical psychology review, 69, 51-66. Pierce, W. D., & Cheney, C. D. (2017). Behavior analysis and learning: A biobehavioral approach. Routledge. Popović, E. (2020). Book Review: CBT: The Cognitive Behavioural Tsunami. Takano, K., Van Grieken, J., & Raes, F. (2019). Difficulty in updating positive beliefs about negative cognition is associated with increased depressed mood. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 64, 22-30. Thyer, B. A. (2015). Radical Behaviorism and Clinical Social: Work. In Paradigms of clinical social work (pp. 151-176). Routledge.
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