When does partner devaluation predict emotional distress? Prospective moderating effects of reassurance‐seeking and self‐esteem

Coyne's (1976b) interpersonal theory of depression asserts that devaluation and rejection by relationship partners may exacerbate depressive symptoms. We tested this assertion empirically and investigated two theoretically based moderators of this effect: reassurance‐seeking and self‐esteem level. Dating women ( N = 134) completed measures of depression, reassurance‐seeking, and self‐esteem at Time 1 and a measure of depression at Time 2 six weeks later. Male partners completed a measure of devaluation of the women. Partner devaluation was not associated with increased emotional distress for women across the entire sample. However, significant moderating effects of both reassurance‐seeking and self‐esteem level were found. Partner devaluation predicted increased emotional distress among women who reported high levels of reassurance‐seeking and among women who reported low levels of self‐esteem. Results are discussed in terms of convergence with Coyne's theory.