Childhood depression and family interaction: A naturalistic observation study

Screened a community sample of 3rd–5th graders for depressive symptomatology using multiple measures and informants. 10 depressed children, a matched sample of 10 nondepressed controls, and their parents completed ratings of stressful life events and parenting practices. In addition, 3 hrs of home observation data were obtained. Both children and parents in families with a depressed child perceived their lives to be more stressful and their families' parenting practices to be more negative than the controls. Analyses of family interaction indicated that the family environments of depressed children were less rewarding, more aversive, and more disengaged than those of controls. Analyses suggested bidirectional behavioral influences operating in depressed children and their families