[Social etiology and remission factors]

According to the social etiology thesis of mental illness, disorders may be caused or precipitated by severe stressors or major life difficulties. The model has been supported for onset of depression and anxiety disorders. The reciprocal proposition stands that occurrence of positive life conditions may bring about remission. The analysis of 404 clinical files following up a community sample of mothers demonstrated the role of positive life events and of relief from chronic difficulties in the total or partial recovery of depressed or anxious women. Dimensions of Anchoring and of Fresh-start in life-events showed a specific and differential role according to disorders. Relief from chronic difficulties seemed to provide a beneficial interaction for remission factors.