Distressed couples with and without a depressed partner: an analysis of their verbal interaction.
Depression in married individuals can be seen as the result of a self-perpetuating interpersonal system in which the information processes between marital partners is distorted. In order to study this theoretical formulation, we used a category system to analyze verbal interactions in distressed couples with or without a depressed partner. Our results show that communication in depressed couples is more uneven, negative, asymmetrical and centred on somatic and psychological complaints. The non-depressed partners in these couples perceived themselves as positive, but evaluated their depressed partners negatively. In the non-depressed couples there were no negative asymmetries and their interaction was even, supportive and positive. The results are discussed in an interactional framework based on social learning theory.
D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D012649:Self Concept; D012930:Social Dominance