Introduction:

Depression represents a health problem which has important impacts on the mental stability and quality of life. Therefore, studying the related cultural domains becomes relevant in order to differentiate this pathology from other emotional states.

Objective:

To analyze the cultural domains related to depression in adults.

Materials and methods:

This is a mixed study with cultural consensus carried out in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, which included 163 participants. Data collection was based on sampling by convenience using free listings, structured interviews, and lots. Twenty elements related to the thematic areas were identified, and organized in hierarchical sets in order to observe the distributions and dimensions of the cultural domains.

Results:

Participants showed common notions regarding what depression implies. The most cited related elements were sadness, discouragement, and loneliness, which were grouped in two main dimensions: consequences and attention.

Discussion:

The literature reports the existance of subjective differences between depression and other emotional pathologies, and that these differences are influenced by sex and social conditions. Nevertheless, the related cultural dimensions are not always considered, in particular regarding the prevention of the illness.

Conclusions:

The precise consideration of the cultural domains which are associated with adults suffering from depression can allow the design and implementation of programs aimed at promoting health and preventing illness, as well as at fostering a clinical practice based on the social and cultural context of these persons.