Depression as a Cultural Phenomenon in Postmodern Society (eBook)

This book presents an analysis of contemporary society based on the experimental and interpretative models produced by the experimental analysis of behavior, in order to think about the ways in which current social contingencies can affect the life of individuals making them more depressive.  It addresses the phenomenon of depression in a broad way. From its conception as a scientific concept to sociological explanations to explain its emergence, the book presents in a very well founded way the necessary knowledge to clarify, understand, and seek treatment and prevention for this major social evil.

The authors begin with a description of the current diagnostic parameters of major depressive disorder followed by alarming global epidemiological data showing that depression has affected all races, social classes, genders and creeds. They then address the topic departing from an approach based on the experimental analysis of behavior, but also in dialogue with other philosophical and conceptual traditions, to show how current social relationships contribute to the development of major depressive disorder. 

Depression as a Cultural Phenomenon in Postmodern Society will be a valuable tool for health professionals looking for a wider approach to depression prevention and treatment. An approach that looks not only to the isolated individual, but takes into account the whole social context that contributes to cause or to prevent major depressive disorder.  

Larissa Zeggio is a psychotherapist at Clínica Mudanças Positivas in Florianópolis, Brazil. She holds a degree in Clinical Psychology from Faculdade Paulistana de Ciências e Letras (FAPA), Brazil, a master's degree in Health Sciences (Psychobiology) from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil, a doctorate in Sciences-Neurosciences from UNIFESP, a post-doctorate in Cognition from UNIFESP, and is currently a post-doctorate fellow in Education at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Brazil. She has 18 years of experience in teaching higher education, graduate and post-graduate courses, in supervising studies in psychology, coordinating training courses for professionals in Health and Education. Founder of R-Club, a social network platform to spread resilience and emotional intelligence [www.resilienceclub.com]. Currently, she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brazilian Institute of Social and Emotional Intelligence (IBIES), Technical Coordinator of the FRIENDS Method in Brazil, Coordinator of the specialization course in Clinical Neuropsychology, and guest professor for the Centro Sul Brasileiro de Pesquisa, Extensão e Pós-Graduação (CENSUPEG) post-graduate course, and a Clinical Psychologist. She is the local coordinator of Pint of Science (Florianópolis) and co-organizer of 'Neuromyths busters' that discusses prevention in mental health and neuroscience. Researcher in of Neuroscience and Psychology, working mainly on learning and emotional memory, neuropsychology, social-emotional skills, prevention and promotion in mental health, neuroscience and education, and scientific dissemination. 

Jan Luiz Leonardi has a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), Brazil; specialization in Behavior Therapy from Paradigma - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia do Comportamento, instensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy from Behavioral Tech, a master's degree in Experimental Psychology: Behavior Analysis from PUC-SP and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. He is currently the coordinator of the Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Training at InPBE - Institute for Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology and a professor in Paradigma, in addition to working as a clinical psychologist. 

Yara Nico is a clinical psychologist with a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP), Brazil, and a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology: Behavior Analysis from the same institution. She has more than 20 years of experience as a therapist and a teacher in higher education. She has developed the pedagogical project and the curriculum framework for the Centro Universitário Nove de Julho Psychology Department. She implemented and was responsible for the general coordination of this department (2001-2006), where she also worked as a professor. She was a professor at PUC-SP and at Universidade São Judas Tadeu. She was pedagogical coordinator of the specialization course in Analytical-Behavioral Therapy at the Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento (2007-2014). As a researcher she works mainly on the Theory of Relational Mouldings (RFT) and Cultural Determinants of Contemporary Psychological Suffering.