Causal beliefs about depression in different cultural groups-what do cognitive psychological theories of causal learning and reasoning predict?

York Hagmayer,Neele Engelmann

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01303

Abstract

Cognitive psychological research focuses on causal learning and reasoning while cognitive anthropological and social science research tend to focus on systems of beliefs. Our aim was to explore how these two types of research can inform each other. Cognitive psychological theories (causal model theory and causal Bayes nets) were used to derive predictions for systems of causal beliefs. These predictions were then applied to lay theories of depression as a specific test case. A systematic literature review on causal beliefs about depression was conducted, including original, quantitative research. Thirty-six studies investigating 13 non-Western and 32 Western cultural groups were analyzed by classifying assumed causes and preferred forms of treatment into common categories. Relations between beliefs and treatment preferences were assessed. Substantial agreement between cultural groups was found with respect to the impact of observable causes. Stress was generally rated as most important. Less agreement resulted for hidden, especially supernatural causes. Causal beliefs were clearly related to treatment preferences in Western groups, while evidence was mostly lacking for non-Western groups. Overall predictions were supported, but there were considerable methodological limitations. Pointers to future research, which may combine studies on causal beliefs with experimental paradigms on causal reasoning, are given.

Highlights

Causal learning and reasoning appears to be a universal capacity
Cognitive psychological research focuses on causal learning and reasoning while cognitive anthropological and social science research tend to focus on systems of beliefs
CONCERNING SPECIFIC PREDICTIONS The first prediction was that people across different cultural groups should have causal beliefs about depression, because it is a frequent, but abnormal condition that affords an explanation

Summary

Introduction

Causal learning and reasoning appears to be a universal capacity. Causal learning enables us to derive knowledge about generic causal relations from observations and actions and to test hypotheses about causal relations. Causal reasoning allows us to diagnose the causes of current distress, to predict its future course, and to envision interventions which may provide relief. To find out what factors cause digestive problems, it is important to know that (i) causes precede the symptoms and that (ii) symptoms cannot be causes even when they are observed simultaneously with or even before the condition. These abstract causal beliefs represent fundamental concepts of causality (Waldmann, 1996; White, 2006; Beller et al, 2009). Some basic medical knowledge tells us that physical injuries are not related to digestion, but nutrition and stress might be

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