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Chapter 02: Research
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH - LITERATURE REVIEW
What is Seasonal Afective Disorder (SAD) A study by Blume et al. (2019) examined the co
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a prevalent form of depression in neuroticism in
SAD patients, revealing that higher neuroticism scores in summer
northern Europe, affecting over twelve million people without age
discrimination. Characterised by seasonal shifts, SAD typically could predict more sev
induces depressive episodes during winter when sunlight exposure Additionally, the stu
neuroticism and decreased extraversion in winter compared to
diminishes. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter vital for mood regulation,
appetite, sleep, and other functions, decreases in individuals with SAD healthy control
during winter months, contributing to the disorder’s symptoms. Individuals with SAD fa
Decreased Serotonin Levels: Those with winter-pattern SAD exhibit
Research indicates that serotonin levels are influenced by sunlight
exposure, with shorter days leading to reduced serotonin (Gupta et al., lower serotonin
2013). Additionally, vitamin D, synthesised from sunlight, plays a role in Cognitive De
serotonin activity, with deficiencies in vitamin D2 and D3 exacerbating result in reduce
activity, affecting working memory, cognitive processing speed, and
SAD symptoms. Direct sunlight remains the most effective means of
producing vitamin D3, essential for maintaining serotonin levels and motor coordinatio
Research and Design Project
mitigating SAD’s impact (Partonen, 1998). Research highlights the Personality Traits:
extraversion, may intensify the severity of SAD symptoms, with higher
psychological and physiological aspects of SAD, underscoring the
challenges faced during the darker winter months and the neuroticism linked to more se
importance of addressing these issues to improve mental well-being. Environmental Fact
the mental health of individuals with SAD, with aspects such as
Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are explored
aesthetics, sensory experiences, social interactions, familiarity, and
for their potential role in the onset and severity of SAD.
climate exerting a significant impact.