Transmission of Depressive Symptoms
A Study With Couples Undergoing Assisted-Reproduction Treatment
Abstract
Transmission of depressive symptoms among spouses is well documented. In accordance with the transactional stress model, cognitive appraisals were tested as indirect effects in transmission. In 82 couples (age range women: 23–44, men: 26–55), both partners stress appraisals and depressive symptoms were assessed at three measurement points throughout assisted-reproduction treatment. Relations among partners variables were tested using the actor-partner interdependence model. Findings indicated positive transmission effects of depressive symptoms from men to women across both measurement intervals. A positive transmission effect of stress appraisals from men to women was observed from before until after the pregnancy test. Womens stress appraisals mediated part of the transmission of depressive symptoms from men to women. Mens stress appraisals, however, were unrelated to womens earlier depressive symptoms. Mens earlier depressive symptoms might have operated as cues for womens adjustment of their own stress appraisals, which then predicted womens increased depressive symptoms. Using the transactional model as a framework for the study of emotional transmission may help to gain a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms and possible gender or role effects involved.
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