A Person-Environment Study of Depression

A person-environment interaction model was applied to research on the etiology of depression. The relationship between the predisposition to independence or dependence, in both family and work environments; the fulfillment of independence-dependence needs; and the presence or absence of depression was investigated. Three hundred white, black, and Mexican-American men and women were included in the study. Half of the subjects were depressed, and half were not depressed. They were matched for sex, race, age, and occupation. The results suggested support for the hypothesis that one's predisposition to dependence or independence must be sustained by the environment if one is to be depression free. Also as predicted, lack of family support, and controlling, unsupportive work environments were found to be significant factors associated with depression, as determined by a multiple discriminant analysis. The findings indicated the significance of additive effects, seldom suggesting interactional phenomena.