An Analytical Perspective on Depression (Essay Sample)

An analytical perspective on depression research
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Introduction
Research has played quite an important role in the crafting of various solutions to most of the challenges facing the present generation. A strict adherence to the designs, dictates and methodologies of conducting research is quite pivotal to the enhancement of professionalism in the age old practice and the inferences deduced in the process. A considerable percentage of the human population put up with various mental and psychological disorders some of which are conditioned by the environment they reside in, their lineage among a host of other factors CITATION Bro78 \l 1033 (Brown & Harris, 1978). Among the most prevalent psychological disorders is depression which affects lots of unsuspecting individuals. With a hoist of causation factors credited to its manifestation and development, researchers have had an uphill task attempting to come up with strategies of keeping the widespread menace in check. In an effort to put some of these issues into perspective, Weary, Edwards and Jacobson made quite sensational claims on the subject at hand in their reply to the journal article that appeared in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (JPSP) on depression research which this paper seeks to objectively critique. The paper will also compare their line of thinking and the theories advanced in this journal to those advocated for by other scholars in the psychology domain.
Statement of the problem
The psychological abnormally of depression has been around since time immemorial and has made various individuals exhibit very shocking tendencies and behaviors as a result of the toll taken on them by the ailment’s mode of growth CITATION Bil87 \l 1033 (Billings & Moos, 1987). Several factors have been touted to significantly enhance an individual’s chances of suffering from this disease with a lot of emphasis being laid on the importance of a stress free life. This has hence necessitated renewed interest in the crafting of solutions to depression with various psychologists taking part in this quest. The article penned by JPSP set the ball rolling to improve individual understanding on the disease and how to minimize the chances of having to bear the brunt of its wrath. What is also of particular importance is the dimension taken by Weary and his lieutenants while criticizing the publication with specific scrutiny on the points they backed the criticism with, the evidence they produced and the facts the overlooked in the process.
Source of the problem
Depression can be traced back to the period between the 18th and 19th centuries when the concept was originally crafted by ancient Greek philosophers and theorists who originally narrowed it down to a distinct mental disorder with specific symptoms which manifested differently from one individual to another CITATION Bro78 \l 1033 (Brown & Harris, 1978). The bone of contention has however been in the process through which a substantive diagnosis to that effect can be made with different individuals advocating for relatively varied thresholds. In their reply to the JPSP publication, Weary, Edwards and Jacobson are of the opinion that the standards set in the document with regards to the diagnosis and preferred choice of treatment as advocated for in the publication did not meet the minimum standards required to make such pronouncements in research documentation. Another row pitting the publication’s editors and the critics was that pertained to the research methodology employed during both the research and the publication process against that proposed by the critics. The most fundamental question would however be; were the issues raised by the Weary, Edwards and Jacobson of significant importance to the process of uncovering the clinical condition of depression?
Significance of the problem
This problem is of significant importance given the manner with which it has aroused the interest of both scholars and students to delve into the clinical revered disorder with the intension of uncovering as much information as possible and coming up with standard and viable solutions to the same. The criticism accorded to the JPSP has also propelled the urge to come up with a globally standardized manuscript for psychologists and social workers to a whole new level hence also emphasizing the significance of this problem. It is also important to acknowledge and appreciate the renewed interest in research methodology not only in the faculty of psychology alone but in other fields as well, the particular allure to the methodology put in place, the evidence gathered in the process and finally, the inferences deduced in the process CITATION Wea95 \l 1033 (Weary, Edwards, & Jacobson, 1995). The problem can also be credited for the widespread discourse on the problem herein hence highlighting yet another important significance to the quest for solutions.
Feasibility of the problem for study
A through pursuit of some of the issues raised in the critical review of the JPSP publication could potentially unravel the workability of claims raised in both papers. For instance; Weary, Edwards and Jacobson’s main claim to fame was their criticism of the considerably minimal requirements for carrying out research and the kinds of methodologies put in place in the process. An analysis and evaluation of this claim can potentially provide the all-important answers hence affirming the feasibility of the pursuit for solutions to this problem. It is similarly important to highlight the controversy unraveled as a result of the different perspectives advanced by the various scholars who added significant impetus to the quest for a common ground and hence enabling a smooth ride in the ultimate path to success. By providing and analyzing a reasonable background of the clinical disorder, how it has changed over the years and some of the steps best-suited to combat it, the problem in question can fine-tune the conceptualization of universally acclaimed solutions.
Scope of the literature review
The scope of this literature review basically takes into account a host of issues including the critical ones at stake in the clinical psychology world and how to tackle them in a relatively comprehensive manner with a number of citations from relevant articles to boot. A lot of consideration is also given to both the methodological approaches and theoretical issues on the conducting of research activities with a strict limitation to the English dialect.
Theoretical context of the problem
So many theories have been advance to make clarifications on various issues surrounding depression. Looking at this particular problem, the existential theory best contextualizes the scenario given its constant emphasis on the resultant feeling of worthlessness often associated with depression CITATION Bil87 \l 1033 (Billings & Moos, 1987). It is however pivotal to identify the link between the feeling of worthlessness and the actual procedure of collecting compelling evidence which confirms the actual state of mind as suggested by critics of the JPSP publication.
Theoretical context of the problem
1 Which is the most productive research methodology in practice today?
2 How should the process of evidence collection in research be conducted?
3 Which theory best explains how certain conditions enhance the prevalence of depression?
4 What is the best approach of providing treatment to depression patients?
Variables of interest
Several uncontrollable factors often influence the effects of a certain mode of intervention in providing solutions to certain problems for instance; the use of structured interviews to diagnose depression patients hence tilting the interests in a certain direction. It is however obvious that the comparison between the structured interviews and the semi structured ones in the diagnosis and an observation based approach would see the former carry the day.
Methodology
Description of the design
Groups of individuals perceived to be socially awkward or mentally unstable were required for the research with some in each group being confined to a controlled environment as the other were fielded in the usual ecosystem for a considerably adequate period of time to carry out a conclusive interview and prognosis of their disorders. Two different strategies were employed to diagnose and confirm elements of depression with the first lot being treated to the application of structured interviews while their counterparts underwent the semi structured interview experimentation route. Observable features and behaviors of the patients in both the controlled and free environments were noted down for future comparison. A similar mode of operation is given to the structured interviewees’ lot with similar structured questions being forwarded to them for their response. Critical signs, symptoms, responses and behaviors are noted down for analysis. Of crucial importance was the response to the modes of treatment administered after diagnosis given that this would be the ultimate stamp of authority to the procedure.
Control of extraneous variables
An easy and relatively conducive atmosphere to curtail the influence of other varied factors that would otherwise impede openness and the entire process in general including activities such as the use of questionnaires were also implemented to eliminate the biasness that is often witnessed while conducting face to face interviews. The application of face to face interviews can alternately be hailed to have greatly enhanced the control of external factors such as construct validity which normally enables researchers to make accurate observations and diagnosis on disorders.
Assessing internal and external validity
All ...