Cognitive, interpersonal, and behavioral predictors of patients’ and spouses’ depression

Background: This study examined the relationship between five theory-based variables and the severity of depression. The variables were self-concept, self and spouse ascribed hostility, spouses’ level of depression, and involvement in home activities. Methods: Based on DSM-IV criteria and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, 75 wife-depressed couples and 59 husband-depressed couples were included in the study. In addition to the BDI, both spouses completed questionnaires relating to self-concept, self- and spouse ascribed hostility, and involvement in home activities. Results: Multiple regression analyses for male and female patients and spouses revealed that in the four groups self-concept was significantly related to the severity of depression. Irrespective of clinical status, involvement in home activities was significantly associated with the severity of depression of women. The relationship between spouse ascribed hostility and the level of depression of both spouses in husband-depressed couples approached significance so did the relationship between patient’s and spouse’s level of depression in wife-depressed couples. In husband-depressed couples the association between spouses’ level of depression reached significance. Conclusions: The shared and gender-related predictors of severity of depression support an integrative theoretical approach to depression and offer practical implications.