Couple Communication Patterns as Predictors of Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms: An Exploratory Study

Communication patterns were explored as predictors of Major Depressive Disorder symptoms in 54 couples with a diagnosed partner. The Initiator Style Questionnaire (ISQ; Denton & Burleson, 2007) was used to assess each partner's tendency to initiate and avoid relationship problem discussions, and to categorize couples. Couples were grouped into three initiator style categories: Initiate-Initiate, Avoid-Avoid, and Initiate-Avoid. Patients of Initiate-Avoid couples experienced less severe depressive symptoms. Initiator style category predicted severity of depressed mood, poor concentration/decision-making, and low energy/fatigue. Interactions of initiator style category and relationship satisfaction predicted symptoms that varied in severity. Implications for couple therapists are discussed.