ABSTRACT
A developing body of literature documents the important relationship between major depression and family functioning (Keitner and Miller, 1990). Families with a depressed member have significant levels of family dysfunction and/or marital discord (e.g., Miller et al., 1992; Rounsaville, Prusoff, and Weissman, 1980). Aspects of family functioning have also been found to be predictive of the course of major depression. For example, family dysfunction is associated with a slower rate of recovery from a depressive episode (Corney, 1987; Keitner et al., 1995; Keitner et al., 1992). In addition, high levels of expressed emotion (excessive criticism and/or emotional overinvolvement) within the family increases the likelihood of relapse after hospital discharge for depressed patients (e.g., Hooley, Orley, and Teasdale, 1986).
