The self-verification model of depression and interpersonal rejection in heterosexual dating relationships

• Published in: Journal of social and clinical psychology Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 240 - 259
• Main Authors: WEINSTOCK, Lauren M, WHISMAN, Mark A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Guilford 01.04.2004; Guilford Press
• Subjects: Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; Depression; Interpersonal relations; Male-female relationships; Medical sciences; Mental depression; Mood disorders; Personal relationships; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Self evaluation; Mood disorder; Human; Theoretical model; Attitude; Heterosexuality; Social interaction; Romantic love; Risk factor; Social rejection; Satisfaction; Depression; Interpersonal relation
• ISSN: 0736-7236; 1943-2771
• DOI: 10.1521/jscp.23.2.240.31020

Certain premises of the self-verification model of depression and interpersonal rejection (Joiner, 2000; Swann, Wenzlaff, Krull, & Pelham, 1992) were examined in a sample of heterosexual dating couples (N = 67). This study builds upon previous research by examining (a) the replicability of model effects within a long-term, meaningful relationship context; (b) the specificity of association between depressive symptoms and negative feedback-seeking, over and above self-esteem; and (c) the potential mediating effects of negative feedback-seeking on the association between depressive symptomatology and rejection. Overall, findings supported the components of the self-verification model, and indicated that these effects may be generalizable to more meaningful relationship contexts. Although the mediational hypothesis was not supported, results suggested that rejection effects in depression might be better explained by relationship satisfaction. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]