Interpersonal Convergence of Personality Constructs in Dynamic and Cognitive Models of Depression

Both dynamic and cognitive models of depression posit that the individual's personality structure influences vulnerability to depression. Blatt's constructs of dependency and self-criticism and Beck's constructs of sociotropy and autonomy were compared within the conceptual framework of the interpersonal circle. The results indicated that dependency and sociotropy displayed considerable overall convergence and were associated with similar interpersonal features. Some differences emerged between self-criticism and autonomy. In particular, self-criticism emerged as interpersonally complex, incorporating distrust, social avoidance, as well as concern with others' reactions. However, comprehensive analyses revealed that similarities between the two constructs outweighed the differences. Self-criticism and autonomy were found to reflect as much interpersonal content as dependency and sociotropy. These results highlight the interpersonal implications of these personality structures.