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Clinical depression and day-to-day social interaction in a community sample
J B Nezlek1, C P Hampton, G D Shean
1Department of Psychology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, USA. john.nezlek@wm.edu
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|March 31, 2000
Summary
Depressed adults perceive social interactions as less enjoyable and intimate, particularly with close relations. They also feel less control over their social experiences compared to non-depressed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Clinical depression significantly impacts an individual's subjective experience.
- Social interactions are a key component of daily life and mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how clinical depression affects the perception of social interactions.
- To compare the subjective experiences of social interactions between depressed and non-depressed adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a variant of the Rochester Interaction Record to assess social interactions.
- Recruited adult participants, with half meeting criteria for clinical depression.
Main Results:
- Depressed participants reported less enjoyable and less intimate social interactions than non-depressed individuals.
- Intimacy differences were significant only in close relationships.
- Depressed individuals felt less influence over interactions, especially when cohabiting.
Conclusions:
- Clinical depression alters the subjective quality of social interactions.
- The impact of depression on social intimacy and influence varies by relationship type and living situation.