PERCEPTIONS OF PARENT-OFFSPRING RELATIONSHIPS AS FUNCTIONS OF DEPRESSION IN OFFSPRING - AFFECTIONLESS CONTROL, NEGATIVE BIAS, AND DEPRESSIVE REALISM

This study examined perceptions of parent-offspring relationships in t riads (N = 59) composed of three members of the same family: a univers ity student selected for level of depression; a sibling; and their par ent. The study measured perceptions of the relationships between the p arent and both the student and the sibling. Four hypotheses were teste d as follows: ''Perceived affectionless control '' (Gerlsma, Emmelkamp , & Arrindell, 1990) postulates that depressed offspring perceive the relationship as lacking in affection and overly controlling. ''Consens ual affectionless control '' postulates that other family members join the depressed offspring in perceiving ''affectionless control. '' ''N egative bias'' (Beck, 1967) postulates that the depressed offspring pe rceives the relationship more negatively than do nondepressed members of the same family. ''Depressive realism '' (Alloy & Abramson, 1979) p ostulates that the depressed offspring perceives the relationship the same way as a nondepressed sibling not directly involved in the relati onship. Considerable evidence supported ''perceived affectionless cont rol ''; limited evidence supported ''consensual affectionless control. '' Considerable evidence supported ''negative bias. '' Although some evidence supported an ''illusory rosy glow'' among nondepressed parent s and offspring directly involved in the relationship, no evidence sup ported ''depressive realism. ''