Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Stressful life events as a link between problems in nonverbal communication and recurrence of depression
Elisabeth H Bos1, Antoinette L Bouhuys, Erwin Geerts
1Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. e.h.bos@med.umcg.nl
Background:
Interpersonal difficulties and stressful life events are important etiological factors in (recurrence of) depression. This study examines whether stressful life events mediate the influence of problems in nonverbal communication on recurrence of depression.
Methods:
We registered nonverbal expressions of involvement from videotaped behavior of 101 remitted outpatients and their interviewers. During a 2-year follow-up, we assessed stressful life events and recurrence of depression.
Results:
The less congruent the levels of nonverbal involvement behavior of participants and interviewers, the higher the incidence of stressful life events, and -via these - the risk of recurrence.
Limitations:
Nonverbal behavior was measured in an experimental setting.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that lack of nonverbal congruence during social interaction contributes to the occurrence of stressful life events, which in turn may trigger depression.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
