U05a1- Problems Definition and Research Intrest Statement on Paper

U05a1- Problems Definition and Intrest Statement on Depression - Research Paper Example Proponents of the biological perspective have identified that depression is caused due to the chemical imbalances in a human body. Deficiencies in two neurotransmitters, substance that allow brain cells to communicate, serotonin and norepinephrine are the major chemical imbalances that lead to depression. For example, deficiency in serotonin can result in sleep deprivation, anxiety and uneasiness. Similarly inadequate supply of norepinephrine leads to laziness, fatigue and depressing moods. (Lysaker et al 2007) Due to depression there are other bodily chemicals that are also altered. For instance a chemical known as cortisol, a hormone that a body produces in anger and stress, is at its peak in the morning and gradually decreases as the day progresses but in people, suffering from depression, the cortisol level does not comes down in the later hours of the day. This high level of cortisal is not healthy because research has shown that people suffering from long term stress have high level of this chemical in their bodies. (Lysaker et al 2007) This school of thought considers negative thoughts as the major cause of depression. According to Beck, great advocate of cognitive perspective, depression is a result of one’s poor self concept and how a person evaluates himself rather than a person considers negative views about oneself due to depression. A study conducted by Abela and DAlessandros (2002) on college admissions showed that students having negative views about their future have strong relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and depressing moods. This was proved later when students, having dysfunctional attitudes, did not get admissions in their desired colleges showed symptoms of depression after their self concept became negative due to failing the test. (Beck, 2008) In addition to negative view about oneself, negative views about the world and future may also lead to depression. For example, a