BEHAVIORISM THEORY AND DEPRESSION

Behaviorism Theory and Depression

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Abstract

This paper studies behaviorism theories in order to understand the problem of depression in a person. There is no doubt that behaviorism theories make a significant contribution in understanding a depression, while neglecting the internal thought of a person.

Behaviorism Theory and Depression

Introduction

Behaviorist considers observable behavior of a person as a prime consideration object when evaluating depression or any other mental condition. There are many factors that contribute to depressive behavior, such as brain chemistry and genetics, are de-stressed in support of environmental factors.

Discussion

Behaviorism embarked on as a research psychology form. Since the beginning of 20th century, the behaviorists were firmly scientists who are working on problems of psychological research in universities. They did not actually begin to consider regarding psychotherapy and mental illness until the 1930s and 1940s, so after psychodynamic therapists had; however, every corner of the marketplace.

As per behaviorist, behavior of human has nothing to do with inner conscious problems, repression and conflicts with object illustrations. To a certain extent, a behavioral psychologist makes use of learning theory principles to elucidate human behavior. According to the theory of behavior, unhelpful or dysfunctional behavior including depression is learned. It is suggested by behavioral psychologists that as depression are learned; hence, can be unlearned (Hollon, et. al, 2005).

During the mid 1970s, Peter Lewinsohn affirmed that depression is a result of many stressors in environment of a person and personal skills deficiency. More purposely, the stressors emerge from environment can provide grounds to a person in receiving a positive reinforcement at a low rate. This positive reinforcement takes place when individual do something they considered to be rewarding and pleasurable. As per the learning theory, obtaining positive reinforcement enhances the probability that individual will replicate the kinds of behaviors they have made that directed them to get reinforced. In simple words, individual will apt to repeat those actions that receive reinforcement. For instance, a number of people demonstrate progress on daily basis to get insurance or money benefits. Nearly all children who are academic-minded study in order to make sure that they will get good result or grades on continuous basis. In such instances, studying and working are behaviors that are motivated by good grades, benefits and money that serve as positive reinforcers.

Lewinsohn stated that people who suffer from depression are specifically those people who are unaware of ...