Mother-adolescent interactions and adolescent depressive symptoms: A sequential analysis

Two theories suggest contrasting predictions regarding maternal responses to adolescent depressive behavior. Social cognitive theory implies that adolescent depressive behaviors are positively reinforced by parents who respond with increased warmth and support (Bandura, 1986). Social interaction theory implies that depressive behaviors elicit negative affect in others (e.g., parents), resulting in diminished support or increased rejection (Coyne, 1976a). Sequence analysis of 72 mother-adolescent interactions suggested that mothers of relatively depressed adolescents generally provided lower rates of positive parenting than did mothers of nondepressed adolescents. Additionally, mothers of relatively depressed adolescents were less likely to respond to adolescents’ depressive affect and behavior with supportive parenting than were mothers of nondepressed adolescents. These findings are consistent with social interaction theory. Both theories suggest similar predictions regarding adolescents’ responses to maternal criticism. Consistent with both theories, we found that relatively depressed adolescents responded with depressive behavior following maternal criticism.