Depression and perceptions of inequity among couples facing cancer

In the present study, symptoms of nonclinical depression among 106 cancer p atients and their intimate partners were assessed. From the perspective of equity theory, it was examined how depression was related to neuroticism ma rital quality, and perceptions of inequity in the relationship. LISREL anal yses showed that neuroticism and perceptions of inequity in the relationshi p were associated with higher depression but differences were found between patients and partners in the way that inequity and depression were related . Cancer patients reported more symptom of depression when they felt that t hey invested too little in the relationship, whereas their partners were hi gher in depression when they felt that they received too little benefits in the relationship. The findings are discussed in tents of structural differ ences in roles between patients and caregiving partners.