Life stressors, personal and social resources, and depression: a 4-year structural model

Article Abstract:

Previous research has identified a relationship between how a person deals with stress, personality characteristics, social support, and effective coping strategies. The existence of factors that provide resistance against stress have been suggested. Individuals with family support, self-confidence, and an easygoing disposition may be considered to have latent resources against the development of depression. Conversely, those with depressed mood and depressive characteristics are considered to have a latent depression construct. These ideas have been used to form a predictive model of depression. A random sampling of 424 individuals (230 women and 194 men) was assessed after an initial inventory and a follow-up survey four years later. Data were derived using measures that assessed personality characteristics, family support, coping abilities, depression, and negative life events. Subjects were divided into high and low stressor groups, with the high stressor group distinguished by two or more negative life events during one year. Results substantiated previous findings that were measured over a one-year period. The model was accurate in predicting depression over the four-year period during which the subjects were followed. Positive family support and adaptive personality characteristics accurately predicted reduced depression. Low stressors and individual resources correlated with psychological health. With high stressors, social and personal resources were associated with continued psychological health through the development of adaptive coping strategies by the individual. The results demonstrate that personal and social resources and life stressors can be directly involved in the development of depression. These findings may be used to create an adjustable framework to apply to situations of high or low stress, and may be clinically useful. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Social networks, Personality, Personality (Psychology)

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Life stressors, social resources, coping, and the 4-year course of unipolar depression

Article Abstract:

In order to evaluate the role played by life events and coping in the recovery from depression, complete data were gathered on 424 patients, 277 with major depression and 147 with minor depression. Of these, 370 participated over the entire four-year course of the study. Follow-up interviews were conducted at one and four years and patient functioning was assessed by five criteria: depression, physical symptoms, self-esteem, family activities, and employment. At the end of four years, little information available at the intake interview served as a predictor of functioning. Although family conflict had some enduring effect, life stressors at intake did not, nor did social resources. Spouses' symptoms showed some weak effect on outcome. Prospective studies with time intervals of weeks or months may be advantageous for examining the role of life stressors and coping in depression. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Case studies, Prognosis, Adjustment (Psychology)

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Spousal similarity in coping and depressive symptoms over 10 years

Article Abstract:

A study examines spouse' s ability to cope with depressive symptoms and its interdependence on the close relationship between the individuals. The results show that spousal support, psychological adjustments and interdependence between individuals in a relationship play an important role in coping with depression.

United States, Public affairs, Evaluation, Husband and wife, Husband-wife relations, Married people

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