Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects 350 million people worldwide and it is one of the leading causes of disability (Marcus et. al, 2012). The effects of this mental health disorder extend to not only the individuals who are depressed, but also to those who are part of their interpersonal circle. For example, based on interviewer ratings, it has been reported that family members of patients suffering from MDD show higher levels of dysfunction in problem solving and affective involvement (Weinstock et. al, 2006). According to the interpersonal model for depression proposed by Coyne (1976), and as suggested in a number of studies (e.g, Gruen, Gwadz, & Morrobel, 1993; Goering, Lancee, & Freeman, 1992), a patients’ close, intimate relationships
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Several different approaches conducted in this study may give us a better understanding of our research questions. Unlike Peterson and Smith’s (2010) study where couples were asked to rate global PC in their relationship, we will be observing criticism in couples as they complete an interaction task with a 10-minute time frame. This is significant because Chambless and Blake (2009) found that patient and spouse ratings agree more about criticality during a finite interaction; thus, it may allow clarify the conflict between patient PC ratings and spouse intended criticism ratings in Peterson and Smith’s (2010) study. Secondly, observer-rated criticism of the spouses will be included in the statistical analysis, which was not done in previous studies. If Peterson and Smith’s (2010) finding that the more depressed patients are, the less they perceive criticism is replicated in this study, then observer-rated intended criticism of spouses allows us to objectively determine the degree to which partners of depressed patients are being critical of the patient. Lastly, the sample population of this study will consist of both depressed and non-depressed patients with anxiety disorder. Observing both groups allows us to see whether depression is associated with PC, and furthermore, whether the severity of depression in both depressed and non-depressed patients is correlated with patient PC ratings of their partner. Because of the current conflicting results found in the literature, this study is not stating particular hypotheses; rather, the questions of our study will be approached as open
Several different approaches conducted in this study may give us a better understanding of our research questions. Unlike Peterson and Smith’s (2010) study where couples were asked to rate global PC in their relationship, we will be observing criticism in couples as they complete an interaction task with a 10-minute time frame. This is significant because Chambless and Blake (2009) found that patient and spouse ratings agree more about criticality during a finite interaction; thus, it may allow clarify the conflict between patient PC ratings and spouse intended criticism ratings in Peterson and Smith’s (2010) study. Secondly, observer-rated criticism of the spouses will be included in the statistical analysis, which was not done in previous studies. If Peterson and Smith’s (2010) finding that the more depressed patients are, the less they perceive criticism is replicated in this study, then observer-rated intended criticism of spouses allows us to objectively determine the degree to which partners of depressed patients are being critical of the patient. Lastly, the sample population of this study will consist of both depressed and non-depressed patients with anxiety disorder. Observing both groups allows us to see whether depression is associated with PC, and furthermore, whether the severity of depression in both depressed and non-depressed patients is correlated with patient PC ratings of their partner. Because of the current conflicting results found in the literature, this study is not stating particular hypotheses; rather, the questions of our study will be approached as open