Predicting negative spousal attitudes toward depressed persons: A test of Coyne's interpersonal model

The utility of Coyne's (1976a) interactional model in predicting negative s pousal attitudes toward depressed patients was examined. Eighty-nine couple s with at least 1 member in treatment fur depression were selected on the b asis of semistructured diagnostic interviews. Overall, spouses living with a depressed patient reported significantly more distress than population no rms. Consistent with prediction, patients' reassurance seeking and spouses' mood contributed to negative spousal attitudes. Additional analyses demons trated that these effects persisted even after controlling for spouse marit al adjustment, suggesting that negative spousal attitudes were more than a simple reflection of marital maladjustment.