INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS AND DEPRESSION - IS THERE A CAUSAL CONNECTION

The causal pathways that link depression and dissatisfaction in intima te relationships were estimated in 115 patients during the first 12 we eks of treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression. Dep ression severity, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, was ne gatively correlated with relationship satisfaction at intake and at 12 weeks. However, structural equation modeling was not consistent with the hypothesis that depression severity has a causal effect on relatio nship satisfaction levels and suggested that relationship satisfaction may have only a weak reciprocal effect on depression severity. As pre dicted, married patients were substantially less depressed 12 weeks af ter the beginning of treatment, when controlling for initial depressio n severity. Contrary to expectations, marital status predicted improve ment even when relationship satisfaction was controlled. Unexpectedly, dysthymia at intake was associated with low relationship satisfaction after 12 weeks, when initial relationship satisfaction was controlled , suggesting that chronic, low-level depression may have a stronger as sociation with interpersonal problems than other forms of depression, such as major depressive episodes. The theoretical and clinical implic ations of the findings are discussed.