The Relationship between Experiencing Shocking and Non-Shocking Life Events and the Onset of Major Depression

by

Faculty Sponsor: Maryam Gooyabadi

Live Poster Session: Zoom Link

Caroline Tracy

Caroline is a sophomore at Wesleyan University studying mathematics and computer science. She is originally from Maine. Caroline’s interest in researching mental illnesses and their causes inspired her to study factors that contribute to the onset of major depression.

Abstract: Current literature suggests that experiencing a major life event is a significant risk factor for developing major depression. Additionally, current literature demonstrates that experiencing a major life stressor is also a significant risk factor for developing major depression. This project categorizes different types of life events into shocking (defined as major life events) and non-shocking (defined as major life stressors). Then it compares the associations between each type of event and the onset of major depression. Conclusions drawn in this project indicate that experiencing a shocking event is significantly and positively associated with developing major depression, as is experiencing a non-shocking event. However, experiencing a non-shocking event is more strongly associated with developing major depression than experiencing a shocking event.

Caroline-Tracy-QAC201-Poster