Depression and interpersonal rejection

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Abstract

Research on depression and interpersonal rejection was reviewed. Most of this research was generated by Coyne's (1976b) model. The strongest support for Coyne's model was found when long-term relationships were examined, or when confederates or role-enactments were employed for short-term interactions. Four factors that may account for these results were discussed: (a) methodological and measurement issues, (b) the psychology of inevitability, (c) self-presentational factors and the situational nature of depression, and (d) the heterogeneity of depression. It was concluded that future researchers should (a) avoid using confederates and role enactments, (b) develop a theory to describe short-term interactions with depressed individuals, (c) focus more on the consequences of refection (and other responses) for subsequent depressive behaviors, and (d) explore individual differences in responses to depressed people.

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