INTERPERSONAL CONSEQUENCES OF DEPRESSION.

Abstract

Recent approaches to the study of clinical depression stress the role of interpersonal processes in the course of the disorder. In particular, the responses of others to depressed persons are thought to be important in the maintenance of depression. Several empirical studies have shown that depressed patients tend to be rejected and to induce negative mood (e.g., depression, anxiety, and hostility) in others. The present study was a further attempt to assess the nature of the depressed person's interaction with his/her social environment. Thirty-four female subjects engaged in same sex face-to-face dyadic interactions with depressed patients, nondepressed patients, or normal controls. Behavioral and self report measures were taken of the response of others to depressed patients, nondepressed patients, and normal controls. Contrary to expectations, no characteristic patterns were identified in the response of others to depressed patients. Several possible explanations of the findings were presented. The results were discussed in terms of the interactional theory of depression and related to relevant empirical studies. Several suggestions for further research were presented.