Lay theories of causes of and cures for depression in a Turkish university sample

Cirakoglu O., Kokdemir D., Demirutku K.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY, vol.31, no.8, pp.795-806, 2003 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.2224/sbp.2003.31.8.795
  • Journal Name: SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.795-806
  • Keywords: depression, lay theories, university students, attribution, Turkish, OVERCOMING PSYCHOLOGICAL-PROBLEMS, MENTAL-ILLNESS, STUDENTS, DIMENSIONS, ATTITUDES, BELIEFS
  • TED University Affiliated: No

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 six components for causes, which were trauma, job-related problems, loss, disposition, intimacy, and isolation. Seven 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.