Stress Generation in Depressed Patients and Community Controls

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between depression and stressors in depressed patients and community controls using data from a 10-year longitudinal study. The first aim was to examine the role of unipolar depression as an antecedent to various stressors over varying durations of time. The results provide support for the hypothesis that depression generates future stressors. Moreover, baseline depression had a more enduring effect that lasted 10 years on interpersonal stressors than on noninterpersonal stressors. The second aim was to understand the nature of the association between depression and subsequent stressors. The results revealed an overall positive linear trend in patients and controls. However, stress generation was more pervasive and complex in patients, suggesting a threshold effect of depression on certain stressors. Overall, the findings illuminate the complexity of the dynamic interplay of depression and stressors.