Introduction and use of techniques based on memetic psychology in the treatment of major depressive disorder: A qualitative case stud

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Psychology Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Psychology, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Associate Professor Professor, Department of Psychology, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran .

Abstract

Introduction: Major depression is one of the disorders that can severely affect the patient's quality of life and in the worst case can cause suicidal thoughts in the patient and even suicide attempts. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to introduce techniques based on memetic psychology and examine their effect on major depressive disorder.

Method: The present study was a qualitative case study. The statistical population of this study consisted of all people diagnosed with major depressive disorder living in Kermanshah in 2024. To select the research sample, a purposive sampling method was used and one subject diagnosed with major depressive disorder was selected using a diagnostic interview based on DSM-5. The participant underwent memetic psychology-based interventions for 10 weeks.

Results: Finally, the use of the diagnostic interview based on DSM-5, Beck Depression Inventory-2, researcher observations, and patient self-report showed that the use of techniques based on memetic psychology, including Mapping the self, Meme maps, and Deconstructing Memes, is effective in treating major depressive disorder.

Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this study showed that memetic psychology, as a sub-branch of cultural evolution, can have appropriate explanatory power in how mental disorders arise and persist. Therefore, given the positive effect of techniques based on memetic psychology in the present study, this study was able to create a basis for developing protocols based on memetic psychology in the future.

Keywords

Clinical Psychology and Personality

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 July 2025

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