What social explanation for depression is primarily characterized by feelings of sadness and loneliness?

The social explanation for depression focuses on the impact of interpersonal relationships and social environments on an individual's mental health. Feelings of sadness and loneliness are central to this perspective, as they often stem from a lack of social support, isolation, or negative social interactions. When individuals experience these emotions, it is typically tied to their social contexts, such as feeling disconnected from friends or family or experiencing loss or rejection.

In contrast, the cognitive explanation delves into how thought patterns and beliefs can contribute to depression, while the behavioral perspective emphasizes the role of actions and behaviors in maintaining or exacerbating depressive symptoms. The biological explanation, on the other hand, looks at genetic, neurochemical, or physiological factors that might influence one’s mood and feelings.

Thus, the social explanation uniquely captures the essence of how social relationships and experiences contribute to feelings of sadness and loneliness, aligning directly with the characteristics of depression as described in the question.