Psychological Theories of Causation.

Psyhodynamic Factors. Most psychodynamic theorists share a thesis regarding the etiologic nature of deficits related to early deprivation of love and affection, conflicts related to guilt based on a harsh conscience and repressed fantasies of childhood wishes and transgressions, or frustrations related to having excessively high ego ideals. These deficits and conflicts are seen as the basis of depressed individual’s pathologic self-punitive ness, self-rejection, and depleted self-esteem.

Behavior Factors. The behavioral position holds that depression occurs primarily as the result of a severe reduction in pleasant activities or an increase in unpleasant events in one’s life. The increased depression leads to further restriction of activity, thereby decreasing the likelihood of experiencing pleasurable activities. Which in turn intensifies the mood disturbance.

Cognitive Factors. The cognitive factors approach maintains that irrational beliefs and distorted attitude toward the self, the environment, and the future persuade depressive affects.

Developmental Factors. Premature and permanent loss of a parent through death or other separation is the most significant factor, but lack of adequate emotional parenting may also be contributing factors.