Causal beliefs about depression in different cultural groups—what do cognitive psychological theories of causal learning and reasoning predict?

Abstract

Cognitive psychological research focuses on causal learning and reasoning while cognitive anthropological and social science research tend to focus on systems of beliefs. Our aim was to explore how these two types of research can inform each other. Cognitive psychological theories (causal model theory and causal Bayes nets) were used to derive predictions for systems of causal beliefs. These predictions were then applied to lay theories of depression as a specific test case. A systematic literature review on causal beliefs about depression was conducted, including original, quantitative research. Thirty-six studies investigating 13 non-Western and 32 Western cultural groups were analyzed by classifying assumed causes and preferred forms of treatment into common categories. Relations between beliefs and treatment preferences were assessed. Substantial agreement between cultural groups was found with respect to the impact of observable causes. Stress was generally rated as most important. Less agreement resulted for hidden, especially supernatural causes. Causal beliefs were clearly related to treatment preferences in Western groups, while evidence was mostly lacking for non-Western groups. Overall predictions were supported, but there were considerable methodological limitations. Pointers to future research, which may combine studies on causal beliefs with experimental paradigms on causal reasoning, are given.

How is depression experienced around the world? A systematic review of qualitative literature

“…Most previous research in this area has used quantitative data to compare differing patterns of symptom endorsement (e.g., Dere et al, 2013; Haroz et al, 2016). The reviews of qualitative studies that do exist have evaluated related topics, including perceived causes and preferred treatments for depression (Hagmayer and Engelmann, 2014), perceived barriers to accessing treatment for postpartum depression (Dennis and Chung-Lee, 2006), and perceived risk factors for postpartum depression in Sub-Saharan Africa (Wittkowski et al, 2014). Other primary research studies have compared the expression of depression in multiple ethnic groups in a single country (c.f.…”

The Effect of SFBGT on the Depression Level Among Indonesian Women Migrant Workers in Malaysia

“…According to the World Health Organization, depression is considered a foremost basis of disease impediment worldwide(24). However, all-encompassing research literature shows that there is comprehensive disparity across nations and ethnic groups in the manner in which depression is elucidated and expressed (25). How people comprehend the cause, indicators, and handling of illness has been mentioned as lay theories, and divergent to the scientific models which is more regularly authorized by professional caregivers in Western societies (26).…”

The Role of Causal Knowledge in Reasoning About Mental Disorders

“…In general, few studies have directly examined the universality of processing biases in usage of causal beliefs about mental disorders. Hagmayer and Engelmann (2014), for instance, note that none of the studies they reviewed about depression examined the use of causal beliefs for diagnoses. Furthermore, tracking whether choices of treatment correlate with beliefs about causes of mental disorders is further muddled by practical issues such as availability of treatments in a given culture.…”

“…Furthermore, tracking whether choices of treatment correlate with beliefs about causes of mental disorders is further muddled by practical issues such as availability of treatments in a given culture. For instance, even though a patient believes in psychosocial causes for depression, she may indicate a preference for biomedical treatments because counseling or psychotherapy are not available in her area (Hagmayer & Engelmann, 2014).…”