This paper examines four major schools of psychological thought—psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive—through the lens of treating major depression. Using a case study of Sylvia, a stay-at-home mother struggling with depression, the paper analyzes how each theoretical framework explains the condition's origins and offers distinct therapeutic approaches. The analysis demonstrates that depression can be understood and addressed through multiple psychological perspectives, each with unique strengths. The paper concludes by reflecting on the personal and professional relevance of these theories, particularly in workplace mental health and industrial-organizational psychology.
Sylvia, a young married stay-at-home mother, is struggling with major depression. Her self-concept and coping skills are becoming maladaptive, and she finds herself in a downward spiral of guilt, loss of hope, and feelings of worthlessness. To better understand Sylvia's case scenario and available treatment approaches, this paper examines four major schools of psychological thought: psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, and cognitive. Additionally, this analysis explores the relevance of this knowledge as it applies both personally and professionally.
The psychodynamic theory is "the interaction between the conscious and unconscious mind, including motives and conflicts" (Myers, 2014). Of the four psychology theories explored, psychodynamic theory emphasizes unconscious motives and how childhood experiences shape personality through the id, ego, and superego. Sigmund Freud helped identify internal conflicts that occur when the ego cannot balance the immediate gratification of the id with the moral compass of the superego. Freud also identified three levels of awareness: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. As life progresses, individuals experience various conflicts—either internal or external—which can disrupt mental health.
In Sylvia's situation, her depressive symptoms of overeating, isolation, and sleep disturbances can be managed with psychodynamic theory-based therapy. This would involve a lengthy process in which she dialogues with a therapist to explore her range of emotions and unconscious feelings. This type of therapy helps clients understand how their behavior and moods are affected by unresolved issues and unconscious feelings. According to research published in the American Psychologist in 2010, the benefits of treating depression through a psychodynamic approach appear to be longer lasting. The therapist allows the client to speak freely and begins to focus on recurring patterns, utilizing ways to discuss feelings that are contradictory, troubling, or threatening. The goal of this therapy is to gain insight and build internal resources needed to manage the difficulties causing depression, ultimately leading to relief.
In psychology, behavioral theory emphasizes the principles of learning that explain personality and observable behavior. One key concept concerns how and why individuals explain events—known as dispositional or internal attribution. B.F. Skinner believed that the environment determines behavior, leading other behaviorists to examine surroundings through cause and effect relationships. Walter Mischel showed that situations have a strong effect on behavioral consequences. Due to response tendencies, people choose to increase behaviors linked to positive consequences over negative ones. Mischel stated that personality results from a two-way interaction between a person's characteristics and environment—a concept known as reciprocal determinism.
Behaviorists believe that depression is learned and therefore can be unlearned. Sylvia's depression may be caused by stressors in her environment and her lack of effective coping skills, along with an absence of positive reinforcement. Since thoughts, perceptions, and expectations influence behavior, behavioral therapy concentrates on actions and changing a person's reactions to challenging situations. This type of therapy encourages an active approach to break away from what has caused the depression and to engage in hobbies or other activities that change the environment, thereby creating positive behavioral patterns.
Humanistic theory "focuses on the ability of human beings to think consciously and rationally, to control their biological urges and to achieve their full potential" (SparkNotes, 2014). Abraham Maslow identified a hierarchy of needs that must be met in order to achieve self-actualization. While there are exceptions, basic needs must be fulfilled before more complex needs can be achieved. Another humanistic theorist, Carl Rogers, described the self-concept as the most influential factor in personality development. For Rogers, discrepancies between reality perception and self-concept lead to anxiety or depression. He believed that individuals are born knowing how to be healthy and are naturally drawn toward healthy choices.
Humanistic therapy would likely be client-centered, utilizing techniques such as active listening, unconditional acceptance, and empathy. To treat Sylvia's major depression, a therapist would help her overcome negative influences from authority figures (such as her husband's prolonged absences), society, or past experiences, while helping her return to her own healthy choices. The therapist works with the client to focus on Maslow's hierarchy of needs in order to achieve self-actualization. The outcome of this therapeutic style is to help individuals like Sylvia develop positive, healthy aspects of themselves. Humanistic therapy encourages healthy self-care to promote better mental well-being.
Jean Piaget developed cognitive theory, and Aaron Beck applied it in clinical practice. Cognitive theory is concerned with how a person's thought processes develop and influence understanding of and interaction with the world. Since our mental processes are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, this theory focuses on thoughts. Three interrelated variables allow learning to occur: person-behavior, environment-behavior, and person-environment interactions. Within each variable, the self seeks homeostasis; when this balance is disrupted, individuals begin to experience unpleasant behavior patterns.
Cognitive therapists understand behavior by examining thought processes. This theory assumes that thoughts are the primary source guiding behavior and emotions. To treat individuals with major depression, a therapist teaches new ways of thinking to correct negative thought patterns. It is beneficial for clients to develop more realistic thinking rather than solely focusing on positive thinking. Cognitive therapy works best when problems are broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces that seem less intimidating. Clients are taught coping tools and techniques during sessions that can be applied to life problems to break vicious cycles.
As noted by cognitive therapy pioneer Robert DeRubeis, "When conducted well, cognitive therapy works as quickly and thoroughly as anti-depressant medications. Used consistently, cognitive therapy may work better [than anti-depressants] in the long run." This evidence supports cognitive therapy as an effective treatment option for depression.
Not long ago, depression was thought to be a made-up excuse that individuals created to avoid responsibilities or take a mental break. Thanks to extensive research, we now have concrete science to identify depression as a serious mental health concern. Originally, the plan was to analyze a case involving obsessive-compulsive disorder, but because of personal experience with major depression, the decision was made to become more knowledgeable about this illness. Understanding various therapeutic approaches for one condition provides hope in achieving relief and decreasing maladaptive behaviors. Due to increased attention to depression, it is important to know when talking with someone will help and when it is time to seek professional help.
"Career applications and personal connection to mental health"
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