The reasons for depression questionnaire (RFD) was constructed to meas
ure the explanations people give for being depressed. In the first stu
dy presented, items were generated and administered to a large undergr
aduate sample to evaluate internal consistency and derive a preliminar
y factor structure. Principal components analyses yielded 8 internally
consistent subscales including characterological, achievement, interp
ersonal conflict, intimacy, existential, childhood, physical, and rela
tionship oriented reasons for depression. In the second study, the RFD
was administered to a clinically depressed sample along with addition
al measures of functioning in specific areas. Specific RFD scales were
generally associated with measures of functioning in corresponding do
mains. For example, people who attributed their depression to a lack o
f intimacy or relationship problems, reported higher degrees of marita
l distress. Characterological reasons were associated with the tendenc
y to offer global and stable reasons for other problems. The results a
re discussed with regard to the potential use of the RFD in case conce
ptualization and psychotherapy research.