Behaviorist Approach to Depression

For the behaviorist, a person's observable behavior is the primary object of consideration when assessing a mental condition such as depression. Factors that may shape depressive behavior, including genetics and brain chemistry, are de-emphasized in favor of environmental factors.

Depression

• Clinical depression is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness sufficient to interfere with normal functioning. Those with depression also may experience changes in eating and sleeping habits, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities once thought to be pleasurable and thoughts of suicide.

Behaviorism

• Behaviorism is a psychological theory that suggests that human behavior is adapted by learning. According to MentalHelp.net, behaviorists think depression is a learned behavior that is possible to unlearn.

Reinforcement

• Under behaviorism, a person may become depressed because of a lack of positive reinforcement for their behavior and actions. A behaviorist therapist may help a depressed person adapt new behaviors that will lead to more positive outcomes.

Considerations

• According to behaviorism, some depressed people may receive positive reinforcement such as sympathy and attention for depressive behavior, prolonging the depression.

Therapy

• According to MentalHelp.net, behavioral therapy for depression focuses on helping patients learn and practice new skills to avoid depression, as opposed to examining unconscious factors that may cause depression.