Depression and its Nature Affecting Human Development Process

among School Age to Maturity

Review of Related Literature and Studies

A research by

Trisha May M. Delos Santos

Brendan Edin Christopher S. Canlubo
Meldwin C. Gutierrez
BSA191C

Submitted to
Rhodora C. Amora

A.Y 2019-2020
Depression – A Psychosocial Factor
According to American Psychiatric Association (2017), Depression is a serious
medical illness which affects the feelings, the way of thinking, and the actions of the
person. With regards of the symptoms, depression can cause sadness and loss of passion
in daily routines and activities that are once loved. In addition, it can also stimulate
negative emotions and physical complications that can depreciate the person’s ability to
work and function. But then, depression can be cured by having medical and physical
treatments.

According to Stansfeld & Rasu (2007) as cited by Upton, Relationship of Social

and Psychological factors is called Psychosocial factor that involves level of human
society, social process, individual level- process that influence intellectual condition. An
example of psychosocial factors are loneliness, social disruption, social status and
depression.

Based on the study of American Psychiatric Association (2017), there are some
factors that can generate depression to people. One factor of depression is Biochemistry
that explains the disparity of some substances in the brain that can contribute to the
symptoms of depression. The second factor is Genetics which depression can run in the
bloodline like identical twins wherein one suffers depression, then the other has 70%
chance of having the complication at some point in life. The third is the Personality in
which people who have low self-esteem and feeling of unworthy are prone to depression
because of the negative personal aspects that they experience in the society. Lastly,
Environmental factors can lead to depression due to exposure of discrimination,
rejection, social status like poverty, bullying, dishonor, racism, and social stigma in the
environment.

Depression affects people in every human development stage including school

age, adolescence, adulthood, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and maturity. In study
conducted by American Psychiatric Association (2017), Depression affects one in every 15
adulthood and that is around 6.7% in any year. It can also attack in any time, but on
average of late teens to 20 years old. That statistics shows that for every six persons, there
is one that will emerge as depressed and that is around 16.6 % people who suffers
depression at some point of their life.

Psychosocial Development under Depression

Psychosocial Development according to Erik Erikson’s theory as cited by Cherry

(2020), there are 8 stages of human development. But then with regards to depression,
the human stage of school age to maturity are the populations that are prone to the
illness because of the crisis that they encounter in every stage. In the fifth psychosocial
stage which is adolescence, the crisis is between identity and role confusion. The theory
of Erikson believe that this stage is vital because this serves as their decision-making
process in finding directions in their forthcoming life.

The next stage is the young adulthood wherein the psychosocial task is between
intimacy and isolation. This aspect adapts and develop the relationship like marriage,
family, and friendship or otherwise those who did not achieve the intimacy will suffer
isolation and loneliness that can lead to depression among young adult.

The seventh stage of human development under psychosocial is the middle

adulthood which enters generativity versus stagnation. Under this stage, the psychosocial
conflict becomes barometer on the need to create things that will outlast an individual.
People that develops their purpose on this stage contributes to the community, family,
and job. But then, failure to connect on this stage may feel worthless and outcast.

The last stage of psychosocial development is maturity wherein the battle is

between Integrity and despair that begins around the age of 65 and above. During this
period, the person is looking back on their life that signifies purpose on how they give
meaning and importance in past years that they lived. People who have completed this
stage feel the presence of fulfillment, consummate love, peace and wisdom. For those
people who experience desolation and depression looks back for regrets, bitterness, and
sorrow situations that happened in their life.

Depression in School Age

Based on the book entitled: Middle Age: Social and Emotional Development, HDEV,
Rathus, pp192-203, depression varies in terms of relationship between competencies
such as knowledge and skills as well as feelings and self-esteem among school age kids.
In this stage, they assess their self-worth in various areas. They begin to evaluate their
physical ability, physical appearance, peer relationships, parent relationships and general
school performance (Harter, 2006).

During this period, school age children obtain the reward that one seeks. They
attempt to quit following failures and found themselves helpless. They seek for the
attention of their parents not just for school-related matters such as assignments and
peer activities. Parents failed to monitor their children and provide less direct feedback
than they did in the preschool years. They spend less quality time with their children.

In addition, teachers are also depressants for the school age children. They expect
more from them like mastering the curriculum, allocating most of the available time or
academic activities, and managing the classroom effectively. Additionally, childhood
depression carried out until they are in the middle age. Hence, they feel blue, sad or down
in the dumps. They show poor appetite, insomnia, lack of energy and inactivity, and
difficulty concentrating.

Depression in Adolescence

As stated by the World Health Organization (2019), Adolescence (10-19 years old)
is a vulnerable stage in Psychosocial development in terms of mental health issues.
According to statistics, there are 10-20% adolescents worldwide experience mental
disorder like depression but then it remains underdiagnosed and under the process of
treatment.

In addition to the WHO (2017) survey, adolescents that suffers emotional

condition sometimes experience frustration, short-tempered, irritability, and angry. The
rapid growth of mental disorder among teens have unexpected changes in attitude and
emotional expression. According to the study of WHO (2017), there are some physical
symptoms related to depression such as stomachache and nausea.

With regards to the WHO (2017), the Global adolescence aged that experience
depression is 15-19 years old and 15 for those aged 10-14 years. In relevance, an
estimated of 62,00 adolescence died last 2016 due to self-harm. Also, suicide is the third
leading cause of death from age 15-19 years old.

According to Dryden-Edwards R. (2018), depression is a common mental disorder

among adolescence stage, affecting around 20% teenagers by the time they reach the
adulthood stage. Some statistics said that depression include more than 8% of teenagers
experienced depression that last a year or more.

Base on the study of Dryden-Edwards (2018), Explicitly the utmost number of

mental conditions like depression are among the teens and apparently it doesn’t have
one definitive cause. This illness tends to have different reasons like biological,
psychological, and environmental factors that associate to the psychosocial problem
which is depression. Biologically, the illness depression is a result of reducing level of
neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain and an imbalance of neurotransmitter
norepinephrine. Adolescence who suffers depression and tend to have a biological
problem like trouble in sleeping or insomnia. The psychological issues in depression
among adolescence include low level of self-esteem, hopeless, and low self-confidence.

Some teens that develops depression are somewhat correlated with body changes
due to stress including the imbalance of hormones during puberty, as well as uncertainty
towards increased in independence, changes in relationship with family, relatives, friends,
and other people around.
 In accordance to the study of Dryden-Edwards (2018), Depression also triggered
by the environmental factors like bullying, sexual abuse, traumatic incidence, school
problems, and peer pressure. Some of the teenagers who are prone from depressions are
the people with confusion in their identity like gay, bisexual, lesbian, and even
transgender teens. Environmental risk concern has a tendency of influencing people to
depression. Some nonspecific pattern of depression involves poverty, exposure to
antisocial peer group or isolation, violence, and family problems. Teens who have poor
academic performance, and dissolution of relationship increase negative mood and
atmosphere.

Depression in Adulthood

Adulthood is one of the stages in Erikson’s Stage Theory in Human Development.

People who are in this stage have an age ranges from 18 to 40 years old. Depressed mood
among emerging adults experience alienation from peers and family, role transition from
adolescence to adulthood, lack of financial assistance, marital and parenting problems,
sexual dysfunction, work absenteeism and lower career satisfaction (Alexander, Gollan
et. al., 2009).

According to Mcleod (2018), this is the period where adults offer themselves
intimately with others. They seek for a longer-term commitment wherein they can form
intimate loving relationship with other people whom they can spend their lives with.
However, the factors affecting during this period are avoiding intimacy and fearing
commitment and relationships that can lead them to loneliness,6 Isolation and
sometimes depression.

Based on National Institute of Mental Health (2019), there is an estimated 17.3

million number of adults in the United States of America (USA) that had experienced
depression at least once in their life. This represented 7.1% of all adults in US. In addition,
female adults had higher rate of major depressive episode (8.7%) compared to male
adults (5.3%). Adulthood dominated among other stages aged 18-25 years. This
represented a rate of 13.1%.

In accordance to Villines (2018), there are effects of depression such as having

feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, too little
sleep most days and unintended weight loss or gain or changes in appetite. Moreover, it
can also lead to feeling worthless or guilty and physical agitation or feelings of
sluggishness. The worst effect of depression would be the intrusive thoughts of death or
suicide.

Depression in Young Adult

According to McLeod (2018), young adulthood starts at the age of approximately

18 to 40 years old. In Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, this is the stage of intimacy versus
isolation. People at this stage start to share themselves more intimately with others
extended to being committed with someone other than to the member of the family.
Additionally Sharma in an article “Stages of Development of Psychology of People at
Different Ages from Infancy to Old Age”, explicitly state that at this stage individual as
young adult take a firmer role in the society by having job, contributing to the community
and maintaining a family by bearing an offspring. Failure to cope with this new
responsibility as young adulthood will create tension and frustrations and will lead to
isolation which in turns negatively affect young adult’s personality development.

According to Child Trends Databank (2018), a foreign study, young adult ages 18
to 24 and 25 to 29, in 2017 respectively 7.3 % and 5.5% have experience two or more
symptoms of depression an increase percentage compare to 1998 with 4.4 and 4.6
percent respectively. It was reported that 3% of young adult ages 25-29 with bachelor’s
degree experiences depression compared to 9% with only high school diploma. Among
young adult females were more likely to experience depression at this age compare to
male. Including in the report 10% of 25-29 years old who are not employed are more likely
to experience the symptoms of depression compare to their peer which are employed.
 According to Oliver-Quetglas, Torres, et. al. (2013), depression among young adult
are caused by several variables such as being a woman, health problem and having any
discrepancy, having worst economic level by having low income and little psychological
support. In their study they prove that discrimination over lifetime, abuse during
childhood and having family background of psychological problems are also factors to
consider in depression among young adults. Social relation and health are the factors of
depression in young adult.

In relation to Sharma, Nierenberg (2017) state that at this stage young adult are
in the process of establishing a clear identity, developing a capacity for intimate
relationship and forming a foundation to build a future career. Challenges and
experiences at this age makes them vulnerable to depression, according to Dr. Stuart.
Nierenberg state according to Goldman in order to determine whether young adult is
experiencing depression, one young adult experience lack of enjoyment by either not
enjoying themselves or isolating themselves by withdrawing from their peers and pending
more time alone. Low energy, lack of concentration, early morning awakening increasing
alcohol or other drugs in take, less interest in sex and weight changes are some symptoms
of depression among young adult. Even though young adult is the stage wherein years of
exploration and having fun takes place, it is considerably that depression in young adult
is prevalent.

Depression in Middle Adulthood

Middle adulthood is a period in a life span between young adulthood and old
adulthood or the maturity. The common age definition at this stage is from ages 40 years
up to 65 years old. According to Rathus (2012), people at this age are workers who are at
their peak, had their life years to learn their workplace and some had advanced into high
rank trades or profession that gives them social benefits, a sense of identity, and self-
esteem.
 According to Lachman as cited by Rathus (2012), other theories perceive that
middle adulthood is the time of peak while other portrayed this as time of crisis or decline.
Additionally, hypothesis of the development in the middle adulthood deals with issues of
either or neither middle adulthood can be considered distinct age or phase of life. Similar
to other age stages middle adults also experience physical and cognitive changes that may
affect the development process. According Rathus, at this age they experience life events
such as death of a loved one, divorce or separation, change in health status, the need to
care for one’s parents, change in relationship with one’s children or friends, financial
difficulties, change in appearance and loss of a job or change in job responsibilities.
Additionally, most people in their middle adulthood stage have sexual activity have
gradual decline in frequency and become sexually inactive. Menopause in women also
occur at this stage.

Accordingly based on the article written by Doheny (2009), midlife crisis such as
life events enumerated by Rathus may lead a middle adult person to have depression. It
is believed that not everyone in midlife crisis can glide through it easily. Therefore,
everyone according to Doheny must be aware of such symptoms such as changes in eating
and sleeping habit, fatigue, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of interest in activities once
enjoyed including sex and hobbies, thought of suicide and physical aches.

On the other hand, based on the study of Sortland (n.d.), middle-aged adult
experience depression due to unfulfilled dreams. Environmental stressors, personal
characteristics and coping behavior of individual are the components of depression in
their study.

Erik Erikson in his theory of psychosocial development he defines the generativity

and stagnation is the psychosocial challenges at this period of one’s lifespan. Based on
the study of Davidson, Lung, Lin, et.al. (2019), in Canadian nationals. It was proved that
depression in middle adults is associated with socioeconomic, physical, and nutritional
factors and its relationship differs among gender. Women at this age who do not comply
with their secondary education, have stage 1 hypertension, chronic pain, low fruits and/or
vegetables intake and fruit juice, chocolate or salty snack consumption were most likely
to be associated in depression. Gentleman with chronic conditions, chronic pain, smoke
vices or chocolate consumption have a higher likelihood of depression.

According to Centers for Disease Control Prevention as cited by Gholipour (2015),

it is reported that one out of eight middle adult women has depression in the United
State. Proving the women ages 40-59 has the higher rate of depression, accumulating
12.3 percent of any group according to age group base on the data gather from 2009 up
to 2012.

Depression in Maturity

Maturity is the final stage in Erikson’s Theory of Human Development wherein

people involved in this period are aging 65 years until death. During this period, senior
citizens tend to slow down their productivity and had sluggish movements. Elderly gets
depressed when they feel guilty about the past and became dissatisfied with life that
leads to hopelessness, (Mcleod 2018).

According to Fiske, Wetherell et.al. (2009), suicide rates among elderly gets
declining. One factor that triggered depression in maturity stage is “Insomnia”. It is an
often-overlooked risk factor for late life depression. Due to its consequences, depression
is significant public health problem. It incorporates increased risk of suicide and greater
self-neglect. Depression appeared to be less frequent among older adults than at earlier
ages.

In accordance to National Institute on Aging (2017), there are symptoms

incorporated with depression. Senior citizens may feel sad, anxious, worthlessness and
helplessness. As a matter of fact, they could also be having no enthusiasm in pleasurable
activities. Older people who are depressed feel tired, have trouble in sleeping and might
have medical disorders such as heart attack, heart disease, and heart stroke.
 Based on World Health Organization (2017), senior citizens with physical health
conditions have higher rates of depression since they are vulnerable in physical, verbal,
psychological, and financial abuse. Current statistics stated that 1 in 6 older people
experience elder abuse. It can lead not only to physical injuries, but also, it can be long-
lasting psychological consequences, comprising of depression and anxiety.

With regards to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017), older adults
are at increased rates of experiencing depression regardless of the fact that it is treatable.
The effects of depression among senior citizens are feelings of pessimism, irritably and
restlessness, overeating or appetite loss, suicide attempts, and aches or pains, headaches,
cramps and even digestive problems.

According to the book entitled: Late Adulthood: Social and Emotional

Development, HDEV, Rathus, pp335, a data gathered by Kvaal on 2008 pertaining to 10%
of the people aged 65 an above that are affected by depression. It is investigated that
depression is linked to loss of friends and physical illness such as Alzheimer's Disease,
heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and cancer. It is a mental disorder that goes
beyond sadness like loss of companions. Inability to bounce back is one of the symptoms
of depression.

Types of Depression in every Human Stages

According to Wilding (2015), there are three types of depression and these are the
event-specific, non-specific, and chronic depression. At some point, a specific series or
events possibly a death of love one can cause depression. When depression has a have
no particular reason is called non-specific depression. And the further type of depression
is called Chronic when the person feels hopeless and sorrow in life.

Based on the study of Koskie (2018), there are 6 types of depression and how they
affect every people in human development stages. First type of depression is Major
depression that statistically affect the adults at least one depressive period in every year.
According to Pietrangelo (2018), Major depression is also called major depressive order
because the symptoms can be experienced everyday by the person. Some severe
symptoms of it among adults are grief, lack of energy, physical symptoms like pain, losing
sanity, lack of concentration, anxiety, and even suicide.

The second type of depression according to Koskie (2018) is persistent depression

that also affects the adult stages. This is a type of depression that lasts two years or more.
Base on Pietrangelo (2018), persistent depression or also called chronic depression is not
the same as major depression but then the symptoms are low self-esteem, hopelessness,
memory problems, and appetite changes.

Another type of depression according to Koskie (2018) is Bipolar disorder that

affects almost adolescence up to adulthood people. Base on the research of Pietrangelo
(2018), in order to classify depression as bipolar disorder, the person must experience an
episode of mania that can lasts until seven days or less if medication is required. Some
symptoms of bipolar disorder are fatigue, sleeping problems, loss of interest and reducing
routines. Some symptoms of manic phase include irritability, high energy, self-
destructive, high confidence, racing thoughts and speech.

The fourth type of depression according to Koskie (2018) is seasonal depression.

Geographically, seasonal pattern plays significant role in this disorder. Typically,
transitions of season can affect the mood of a person and also distance from equator is a
factor for the people who experience seasonal depression. According to Pietrangelo
(2018), some symptoms of seasonal depression are social withdraw, weight gain, and
increase in need of help. This might relate to the body composition in response to the
increase of natural light.

The fifth type of depression according to Koskie (2018) is postpartum depression

that affects young adult to middle adult women. The statistics showed that almost 80%
of new mothers experience “baby blues” and it cause by hormonal changes after
childbirth. In addition, according to Pietrangelo (2018), some symptoms of postpartum
depression include mood swings, fatigue, sadness, the pressure of giving care to the
offspring, and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby.

The last type of depression according to Kotskie (2018) is psychotic depression

that affects middle adulthood up to maturity stage. When major depression is associate
with hallucination, delusion, or even paranoia, it is under depressive psychosis condition.
Base on the data, 1 out of 13 people experience psychotic depression worldwide when
they reach their maturity stage. Some symptoms of depressive psychosis include problem
in body function and sluggish physical movement.

Synthesis

Depression has been a serious outbreak that people has been trying to hush down
through medications and regular check-up on mental health experts or psychiatrists.
Depression stimulates negative effects towards human being as an individual reaches the
last stage of human development. It also causes people to lose their pleasure and interest
in former hobbies and pursuits. Apparently, the reasons behind it appeared as alienation
from peers and family, role transition from certain stage to another, lack of financial
support, inability to concentrate, difficulties with sleep and appetite, work absenteeism,
fear of longer-term commitments and lower career satisfaction. Also, one factor that
triggered depression is the biochemistry that could affect the stages in human
development such as school age, adolescence, adulthood and maturity. The
consequences of this so-called depression are feeling of unworthiness, regrets, loss on
appetite or overeating, insomnia, passion in vain, and worst, suicidal and stagnant anxious
mind.
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