Environmental and Psychological Contributions to Depression

Abstract

This chapter considers the role of several psychological and environmental factors in depression. One key factor is stressful life events, which often but not always precede episodes of depression. Life stress may precipitate depression. In turn, there is evidence that depression can generate stress in a person’s life. Similarly, negative thinking patterns are elevated in depressed persons, and negative thinking may also be a cause of depression. Research and treatment studies are unlocking the varied connections between cognition and depression. Finally, depression and mood problems are often closely tied to relationship problems, such as marital and family difficulties. The importance of social connections is often revealed in interpersonal therapies for depression. In many cases, depression can result from the interplay between stressful life events, negative thinking, and relationship problems. The chapter closes with special consideration of adversity during childhood and the ways that childhood adversity might increase psychological and environmental risk for depression during adulthood.