Depression Psychological Disorders - Stigma Term Paper

Non-Psych

Male

High Level of Depression

Female

High Level of Depression

Lower Level of Depression

Method

100 surveys handed out as follows: 25 to non-psych majors (female scenario); 25 to non-psych majors (male scenario); 25 psych majors (female scenario); 25 psych majors (male scenario). The independent variable explored is gender; other independent variables include non-psych and psych majors. The dependent variable explored is depression level. Other dependent variables worthy of exploration may include self-esteem, anxiety or perceived anxiety and the existence or lack of social phobias. This approach will allow a qualitative analysis of the empirical data presented for more accurate results (Keppel, 1982; Reber, 1985).

Findings

The results of the study suggest as have previous studies (Maag, Behrens & Digangi, 1992; Miletich, 1995) that there is a stigma associated with depression. The preliminary results of this study suggest among non-educated consumers, men are more likely to be stigmatized and subsequently repress their feelings than are females diagnosed with depression.

References

Grossman, H., & Grossman, S.H. (1994). Gender issues in education. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Katz, I. (1981). Stigma: A social and psychological analysis. Hillsdale: Lawrence

Erlbaum Associates.

Keppel, G. (1982). Design and analysis: A researcher's handbook. Englewood Cliffs,

NJ: Prentice Hall.

Maag, J.W., Behrens, J.T., & Digangi, S.A. (1992). Dysfunctional cognitions associated with adolescent depression: findings across special populations. Exceptionality, 3(1): 31.

Maccoby, E.E., & Jacklin, C.N. (1978). The psychology of sex differences. Stanford:

MacMillan, D.L., Gresham, F.M., Lopez, M.F., & Bocian, K.M. (1996). Comparison of students nominated for preferred interventions by ethnicity and gender. The Journal of Special Education, 30: 133-51.

Mason, T., Carlisle, C., Watkins, C. & Whitehead, E. (2001). Stigma and social exclusion in healthcare. London: Routledge.

Miletich, J.J. (1995). Depression: A multimedia sourcebook. Westport: Greenwood Press.

Reber, a.S. (1985). Dictionary of psychology. London: Penguin.

Wehmeyer, M.L., & Schwartz, M. (2001). Disproportionate representation of males in special education services: Biology, behavior or bias? Education & Treatment of Children, 24(1): 28.

APPENDIX 1 - Surveys Used

Question #1

For the past three weeks, Katherine has had trouble concentrating in school and has lost interest in basketball and socializing with friends (two of her favorite pastimes). She has also lost her appetite and rarely finishes a meal. When she is at home, she tends to sleep or watch T.V. Her parents are worried about her, but Katherine insists she is merely stressed-out. Katherine often finds herself crying when she is alone though, and has experienced a rapid decrease in self-esteem.

1) How would you rate Katherine's depression level?

3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

2) if Katherine was your friend, how likely would you be to encourage her to seek help?

3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

3) How embarrassed do you think Katherine might be of her condition?

3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

4) How much control do you believe Katherine has over her condition?

3 4-5 6-7 8-9-10 lot

AGE

GENDER

HOMETOWN

Thank you for your participation!

Please read the following scenario and answer the subsequent questions.

For the past three weeks, Connor has had trouble concentrating in school and has lost interest in basketball and socializing with friends (two of his favorite pastimes). He has also lost his appetite and rarely finishes a meal. When he is at home, he tends to sleep or watch T.V. His parents are worried about him, but Connor insists he is merely stressed-out. Connor often finds himself crying when he is alone though, and has experienced a rapid decrease in self-esteem.

1) How would you rate Connor's depression level?

3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10

2) if Connor was your friend, how likely would you be to encourage him to seek help?…