Implications for the Economy

Question 1

Step 1: RESEARCH

Answer 1

What does research show about the topic in question?
- ‘Research into the biological explanation of depression informs us that low levels of serotonin leads to depression’

Question 2

STEP 2: IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS

Answer 2

What does the research motivate everyday people to do?
- ‘This can lead to people taking drugs like SSRIs to elevate levels of serotonin so that they can feel a happier mood’

Question 3

STEP 3a: IMPACT ON INDIVIDUAL’S EMPLOYER

Answer 3

Think about reducing absenteeism
Think about improvement in productivity
Think about more tax paid to the government
- ‘This will mean people with depression will get treated and are less likely to take sick days off due to the illness. This will improve productivity of their employing firms’

Question 4

STEP 3b: IMPACT ON SOCIETY’S ORGANISATIONS (like NHS and prison systems)

Answer 4

Think about how this will make such organisations spend more or less money
Also if it affects unemployment/benefits
- ‘This can lead to NHS saving money as drugs are cheaper than CBT and can be dispensed to people easily.’
- ‘This can lead to people getting treated for depression and no longer staying unemployed whilst claiming benefits. Instead they will start working and paying taxes’

Question 5

STEP 4: IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY

Answer 5

Link back to the question - explain if this will either positively affect (growth) or negatively affect the economy
- ‘This can lead to growth in economy as people will be healthy and productive’