Graduation Date
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Sing Chew
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Jerrald D. Krause
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Donna Schafer
Keywords
Sociology
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
In using symbolic interactionist theory to explore depression as an epidemic in our society, this study uses the concept of "reality construction" to show that cultivating an optimistic explanatory style may reduce susceptibility to depression. It is my intention to use a symbolic interactionist approach of the concept of the "mind" to aid in identification of the reality construction of the depressed individual. The Psychological Social Psychology concepts of attribution style and explanatory style are useful in understanding optimistic and pessimistic perspectives of reality construction. This thesis provides a micro-level link to the idea that an optimistic explanatory style reduces overall feelings of learned helplessness, and therefore, decreases susceptibility to depression. Furthermore, implementing strategies such as increasing social capital and educating youth to the benefits of positive thinking will aid in acknowledging depression as a societal issue and provide macro-level effective resolutions to a societal problem.
Recommended Citation
Shayani, Jenny R., "A Sociological Theory of Depression: An Integrated Approach to Optimism and Pessimism, Toward Effective Resolution of a Societal Problem" (2004). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2387.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2387