behaviorist approach

For the behaviorist, a person's observable behavior is the primary object of consideration when assessing a mental condition such as depression. Factors that may shape depressive behavior, including genetics and brain chemistry, are de-emphasized in favor of environmental factors.

Depression

1. Clinical depression is characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness sufficient to interfere with normal functioning. Those with depression also may experience changes in eating and sleeping habits, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities once thought to be pleasurable and thoughts of suicide.

   Behaviorism

2. Behaviorism is a psychological theory that suggests that human behavior is adapted by learning. According to MentalHelp.net, behaviorists think depression is a learned behavior that is possible to unlearn.

   Reinforcement

3. Under behaviorism, a person may become depressed because of a lack of positive reinforcement for their behavior and actions. A behaviorist therapist may help a depressed person adapt new behaviors that will lead to more positive outcomes.

PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology is the science of mind and behavior . It is the study of human beings - how they behave, how they feel, how they think, how they adjust, how they get along with one another, and how they become the individuals that they are .

Approaches of Psychology
~biological
~behavioral
~humanistic
~cognitive
~perspective
~psychodynamic

The biological approach believes us to be as a consequence of our genetics and physiology. We become ill, medically and/or psychologically, because of physiological or genetic damage, disease, or accident. It is the only approach in psychology that examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviours from a medical/biological, and thus physical point of view.