Submissive behaviour and psychopathology.
A variety of behaviours have been identified as submissive (Buss & Craik, 1986). These are believed to be associated with vulnerability to psychopathology. This paper explores the construct and measurement of submissive behaviours and their association with psychopathology.



Two self-report scales were designed to measure the frequencies of (a) typical submissive behaviours (SBS) and (b) passive/withdrawal and affiliative strategies focused on conflict de-escalation (CDS). The association of these scales with psychopathology was explored in a series of questionnaire studies.



Study 1 assessed the SBS using a student sample (N = 332) and a mixed clinical group (N = 136). Of these, 177 students and 66 patients also completed the SCL-90-R. In Studies 2 and 3, the CDS and its association with depressive symptoms were assessed using a student sample (N = 154) and a depressed patient group (N = 60).



The SBS and CDS appeared reliable. There was a positive relationship between the SBS and the SCL-90-R, including interpersonal sensitivity and unexpressed hostility. The passive/withdrawal subscale of the CDS was associated with depressive symptoms. Evidence was obtained for sex differences with the affiliative subscale.



Some forms of submissive behaviour, especially those associated with passive/withdrawal and inhibition, are associated with a wide range of psychological problems.
Allan
S
S
Southern Derbyshire Mental Health Trust, UK.
Gilbert
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis