ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 elaborates an important theme in depression: interpersonal relationship issues as a cause and consequence of recurrent depression, especially conflict in close relationships that appears to be more than a temporary result of a depressive state. Depressed people commonly have unhappy and discordant marriages even when not currently depressed, and relationships with children may be punitive and neglectful. Having a depressed parent is a strong risk factor for depression. Difficulties with parenting are a large contributor to the relatively high rates of depression, disorders and dysfunction in the offspring. Not surprisingly, intergenerational patterns are common: depressed mothers often had depressed mothers, and their depressed children will also likely have depressed offspring. Experiences that promote feelings of unworthiness and failure arising in family life are potentially potent precursors of vulnerability to depression. Feelings of insecurity often promote relationship styles that are problematic, such as excessive reassurance-seeking, distrust of the love and dependability of romantic partners – interpersonal styles that may provoke conflict and stress. Unfortunately, depression often has a negative effect on others, even strangers, and impairments in social skills may further promote diminished coping resources such as lack of effective social support systems. In short, many elements of depression itself and vulnerability factors that promote depression involve reciprocal processes of low self-esteem, neediness, rejection and depression.
