Explaining Gender Differences in Depression: an Interpersonal Contingent Self-Esteem Perspective

• DOI: 10.1007/s11199-009-9616-6
• Publication Date: 2009-04-04T19:07:17Z
• Authors: M. Janelle Cambron; Linda K. Acitelli; Jeremy W. Pettit
• Keywords: 5. Gender equality; 05 social sciences; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; 10. No inequality

The quality of interpersonal relationships may be a key factor in the etiology of depression. An interpersonal depressive vulnerability has been proposed to interact with interpersonal stressors to predict depressive symptoms. Research examining gender differences in this link has been inconclusive. We propose that research should focus on whether one’s self-esteem is based on the quality of interpersonal relationships. We propose a model of gender differences in depression that examines the role of interpersonal contingent self-esteem (ICSE) in the development of depression. Specifically, we propose that ICSE interacts with gender in the face of interpersonal stress to promote decreases in momentary self-esteem. Decreases in momentary self-esteem, in turn, lead to rumination, maladaptive interpersonal behaviors, and depressive symptoms.