Maladaptive Interpersonal Patterns in Older Inpatients with Depression

Background: Previous studies have established a strong link between maladaptive interpersonal patterns (MIPs) and depression. This study explored the specificity of this association in older patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we administered the MIP Q-Sort to older inpatients with depression ( n = 36) and healthy older adults ( n = 42). We also compared the older sample with previously published data from a middle-aged inpatient sample with depression ( n = 69). Results: Compared with the healthy control sample, older inpatients with depression presented a significantly greater extent of MIP and experienced themselves as more submissive and others as more dominant. Compared with previously published data from a middle-aged inpatient sample, older inpatients perceived their own interpersonal behavior as less problematic. Conclusions: Similar specific MIPs are evident in older and middle-aged patients with depression. We discuss the finding that older patients perceive their interpersonal behavior as less problematic as a self-protective mechanism that should be considered in psychotherapy with older patients.