title: Personality and family functioning in families of depressed patients.
abstract: In this cross-sectional study, the authors attempted to identify correlates of family functioning in 86 couples with a depressed member during the acute phase of the patient's depression. Demographic variables, psychiatric status, and personality traits of both the patient and spouse were investigated as potential predictors of family functioning. Regression analyses indicated that lower levels of personality pathology in the patient, higher levels of patient conscientiousness, and less psychological distress in the spouse were associated with healthier family functioning. Future research implications and clinical importance of these findings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, and Mood Disorders Program, Rhode Island Hospital, USA.
authors.forename: I W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: McDermut
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Keitner
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology