Purpose: This research examined whether the frequencies of specific emotion
s are associated with major and minor depression in older primary care pati
ents. Design and Methods: Older primary care patients (N = 146), prescreene
d with a depression questionnaire, completed a diagnostic interview and an
emotions questionnaire. Results: Controlling for age, sex, and other psychi
atric and medical illnesses, major depressives differed from nondepressed c
ontrols in nine emotions; minor depressives differed from controls in four
emotions. Major depressives differed from the controls more in sa ness, joy
, and interest-but not anger, fear, or quilt-than in comparison sets of emo
tions. Minor depressives differed from the controls more in sadness and inn
er-directed hostility-but not quilt, anger, fear, joy, or interest-than in
comparison sets of emotions. Implications: The frequencies of discrete emot
ions are differentially associated with major and minor depression; future
research is needed to determine their specific diagnostic and treatment imp
lications.