This research demonstrates that while there are individual factors (based on genetics, biology and personal experience) that
incline an individual toward
depression, there are also macro-level social factors that make a person more likely to suffer from depression. The paper explains that among these factors may be membership in a minority community that is the subject of prejudice from the majority community. This is certainly the case with African-American youths, whose race and age (along with sex and gender in some cases) causes them to be subject to a higher than usual level of stress. The paper concludes that a better understanding of the connection between environment and depression for African-American adolescents can help provide the basis for better
treatment for this at-risk group. Paper Outline: Etiology of Depression Socially Reactive Depression Relationships Among Ascribed Status and Depression Treatment of Depression Tied to Knowledge About the Disorder