Hostility in marital dyads: Associations with depressive symptoms

We examined the relations of hostility (of self and spouse) with self-ratin gs of depressive symptoms in 898 spouse pairs. Self-ratings of hostility we re initially examined as predictors of depression. Next, spouse self-rating s of hostility ware added to the model. Finally, the interaction of self x spouse hostility was investigated. These relations were explored for three components of hostility (Cynicism, Aggressive Responding, and Hostile Affec t). Age and education were controlled in all models and effects were examin ed separately for women and men. Self-ratings of Hostile Affect were positi vely related to depressive symptoms for both women and men. Self-ratings of Cynicism were also significantly related to depression, but only for men. All three components of spouse's hostility were positively related to one's own symptoms of depression for women For men, however, spouse's hostility was not related to symptoms of depression. These findings highlight the nee d to study psychosocial risk factors in social units and have potential imp lications for intervention.