Behavioral correlates of depression: Antecedents or consequences?

We compared Coyne's (1976a) interpersonal model of depression to Lewinsohn's (1974) social skill model of depression in a large sample of nonreferred college students. Ss completed questionnaires on social skill, social support, depression, hopelessness, social anxiety, and social desirability. Linear structural equation modeling results partially supported Coyne's theory that depression inhibits social skill and social skill deficits negatively affect social support. Lewinsohn's theory that social skill deficits promote depression was not supported. Contrary to both Coyne and Lewinsohn, no evidence of a direct relation between social support and depression was found. Results suggested that social skill deficits are a consequence, not a cause, of depression. Implications for counseling process and interpersonal models of individual pathology are discussed.