Lay Theories of Causes of and Cures for Depression in a Turkish University Sample

Abstract

This paper reports a study on university students' attributions for the causes of and cures for depression, conducted in a Turkish sample. Results revealed 6 components for causes, which were trauma, jobrelated problems, loss, disposition, intimacy, and isolation. 7 components were found for cures, which were hobby, sensation seeking, avoidance, professional help, religious practices, esteem, and spiritual activities. Men rated religious practices as more useful than women did. No other differences pertaining to gender or previous contact were found. Results are discussed together with the limitations of the study.

Relationships between adolescents’ preferred sources of help and emotional distress, ambivalence over emotional expression, and causal attribution of symptoms: a Singapore study

“…All paths are significant at p< .05. Consistent with previous findings (Cirakoglu, Kokdemir, & Demirutku, 2003;Jorm et al, 1997;Lauber, Falcato, Nordt, & Rossler, 2003;Lee, 2007), psychosocial and physiological causations are positively correlated with each other, suggesting that both causations should be considered when studying the relationship between perceived causes and choices of help.…”

Public Attitudes, Lay Theories and Mental Health Literacy: The Understanding of Mental Health

“…Çirakoğlu, Kökdemir & Demirutku (2003) The study reports university students' attributions for the causes of and cures for depression in Turkey.…”

Beliefs about the causes and cures of depression

“…This study was replicated in Turkey on a student population. Cirakoglu, Kokdemir, and Demirtuku (2003) found that the perceived causes for depression resulted in six factors labelled trauma, job problems, loss intamacy, disposition and isolation. The cure items factored into seven factors labelled hobby, sensation seeking, avoidance, professional help, religious practices, esteem and spiritual activities.…”