The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45301

Jason T Siegel, MA, Eusebio Alvaro, PhD, and Hannah Roth, BS. Health Communication Research Office, University of Arizona, 1522 E Drachman Street, Tucson, AZ 85721-0475, (520)626-3558, jtsiegel@u.arizona.edu

There is little question that issues focusing on mental health, especially depression, have increased in prevalence over the past few years: in 1999, the Surgeon General released a report centering on Mental Health; a media campaign designed to increase awareness of mental health issues with a slogan of “it’s not your fault” is currently airing; advertisements for anti-depression medication such as Zoloft have been airing for the first time in history. However, if the goal of such efforts is to encourage those fighting depression to seek help, an important factor has been ignored--depressed individuals have a negative cognitive filter leading to a likely underestimation of their chances for recovery as well as a potential overestimation of the stigma of depression. Any attempts to influence depressed individuals must be carefully and theoretically constructed in order for the messages to have a chance of getting past the depressed individuals negatively biased counterarguing. Unfortunately, while research exists discussing how interventions targeting tobacco, alcohol, and drug use can be more effective, there is a dearth of information focusing on the best approaches to educating and influencing those fighting depression. Drawing on research from communication, social psychology, and public health, as well as research on the clinical aspects of depression, recommendations will be made focusing on ways to minimize negative biases and increase help-seeking behavior amongst the depressed population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• identify cognitive processing styles of depressed individuals that may impact intervention success
• learn how such information can be utilized along with theories of communication, social psychology, and public health to create more effective depression interventions.

Keywords: Depression, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.