AQA Psychology – Depression Exam Questions and Answers 2024

AQA Psychology – Depression Exam Questions and Answers 2024 What type of disorder is depression? - Answer-A mood disorder What are the two types of depression? - Answer-Major depressive disorder - 2+ weeks of a major depressive episode Persistent depressive disorder - long term and/or re-occurring depressive episodes Cognitive characteristics of depression - Answer-Irrational and negative self beliefs Emotional characteristics of depression - Answer-Negative emotions e.g. sadness, apathy, anger Behavioural characteristics of depression - Answer-Increased or decreased levels of activity, eating, sleeping What are the two cognitive explanations of depression? - Answer-Ellis' ABC Model and Beck's Negative Triad Outline Ellis' ABC Model - Answer-A - activating event that starts off irrational belief (e.g. losing a job) B - the irrational belief that is caused by this (e.g. they never liked me; they wanted me gone) C - the consequence of this belief (e.g. negative emotions such as anger) What is musturbatory thinking? - Answer-The idea that certain ideas must be true for someone to have happiness e.g. 'I must have approval from those I like', 'I must do well or I am useless' How is the Negative Triad formed? - Answer-Beck proposed that a negative scheme can develop in childhood (due to abuse, neglect, criticism etc) that can lead to cognitive biases What are the three components of the Negative Triad? - Answer-A negative view of the: Self World Future Evaluation of the cognitive explanations of depression - Answer-+ Positive applications Led to development of treatments for depression e.g. CBT which combats irrational thinking and beliefs Positive impact on societ