Psychosocial predictors of the short-term course and outcome of major depression: A longitudinal study of a nonclinical sample with recent-onset episodes

Three variables have been hypothesized to play important roles in prolongin g the course of depressive episodes: a ruminative response style, significa nt interpersonal relationships, and childhood adversity. The authors examin ed whether these variables predicted the short-term course of major depress ive disorder (MDD). Participants (n = 84) were college students with a rece nt-onset major depressive episode. Assessments included several interview a nd self-report measures, and data on interpersonal relationships were obtai ned from close confidants. Follow-up interviews were conducted 6 months lat er. After controlling for baseline severity, harsh discipline in childhood significantly predicted mean level of depression across the follow-up and l evel of depression at follow-up. Harsh discipline was also significantly as sociated with relapse but not with recovery. After controlling for baseline severity, rumination and the interpersonal variables did not predict the o utcome of MDD.