Depression and excessive reassurance-seeking

Citation
Te. Joiner et al., Depression and excessive reassurance-seeking, PSYCHOL INQ, 10(4), 1999, pp. 269-278
Citations number
65
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology
Journal title
PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY
ISSN journal
1047840X → ACNP
Volume
10
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
269 - 278
Database
ISI
SICI code
1047-840X(1999)10:4<269:DAER>2.0.ZU;2-#
Abstract
This article describes a program of research on excessive reassurance-seeki ng and its relation to depression. Relevant theory, central predictions, an d empirical work are summarized, and the research program's implications fo r depression science and clinical work are noted. We argue that excessive r eassurance-seeking (a) is implicated as a potential contributory cause of d epressive symptoms; (b) is involved in generating negative interpersonal ou tcomes, such as interpersonal disruptions and "contagious" depression; (c) relates to other theoretically important depression-related constructs in w ays that may broaden and enhance depression theory and science; and (d) has potential import for the treatment and prevention of depression. The artic le may be of interest to those studying the social and clinical psychology of depression, as well as those engaged in the psychotherapy of depressed p eople, and may inspire future theoretical, empirical and clinical work; wit h the ultimate aim of increasing understanding of and decreasing suffering from depression, a vexing (and increasing) human problem.