twin studies

Question 1

how many gene variations were linked to developing depression (Hyde et al 2016)

Answer 1

17

Question 2

identical twins

Answer 2

monozygotic (share 100% of the same genes)

Question 3

non-identical twins

Answer 3

dizygotic (share 50% of the same genes)

Question 4

what does McGuffin 1996 tell us about depression in twins

Answer 4

this shows that depression might be genetic because the monozygotic twins, who share more genes than dizygotic twins, were at greater risk of becoming depressed if one of them was diagnosed

Question 5

McGuffin 1996

Answer 5

found that if one identical twin became depressed there was a 46% chance that the other twin would too compared to non-identical twins , where there was only a 20% chance that they would both be depressed

Question 6

diathesis stress model

Answer 6

combines genes and environment to explain the genetic development of depression

Question 7

genetic predisposition

Answer 7

a gene or genetic combination, which increases the risk of developing depression

Question 8

strengths of the genetic explanation of depression

Answer 8

we can take away the sigma - if becoming depressed is in your genes, people cannot blame you for being depressed. People in turn become more accepting

Researcher support: Caspi 2003 found that people with a variation in the serotonin transporter gene were more likely to react negatively to stressful life events and develop depression. This supports that genes play a role in depression

Question 9

weaknesses of the genetic explanation of depression

Answer 9

very deterministic - assumes that if you have certain genes you are likely to become depressed and you cant change that so healing feels pointless

reductionist: fails to consider other factors that could cause depression - to simplistic to assume depression is only linked to a specific gene so we may fail to consider other way to support someone