Hostile Interpretation Bias in Depression

Abstract Background Research suggests an important relationship between interpretation bias, hostility and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Extant literature has yet to examine hostile interpretation bias in clinically depressed samples; the current studies sought to fill this gap. Method Study 1 pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of affective disorders 2016-10, Vol.203, p.9-13
Main Authors: Smith, Hillary L, Summers, Berta J, Dillon, Kirsten H, Macatee, Richard J, Cougle, Jesse R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Anger
Case-Control Studies
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis
Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology
Female
Hostility
Humans
Interpretation bias
Male
Middle Aged
Prejudice - psychology
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Psychological Tests
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background Research suggests an important relationship between interpretation bias, hostility and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Extant literature has yet to examine hostile interpretation bias in clinically depressed samples; the current studies sought to fill this gap. Method Study 1 participants included undergraduates who met criteria for MDD ( n = 36) or no anxiety or mood diagnosis ( n = 35). Each participant completed a structured clinical interview along with measures of depression, hostile interpretation bias, and trait hostility. In Study 2, a sample of treatment-seeking individuals with elevated trait anger completed measures of depression, hostile interpretation bias, and trait anger. Results Study 1 demonstrated that, relative to the non-depressed group, individuals with depression displayed greater hostile interpretation bias but comparable levels of trait hostility. In Study 2, greater hostile interpretation bias was associated with greater depressive symptoms, and this relationship was independent of co-occurring trait anger. Limitations The correlational nature of these studies precludes interpretation of causal relationships between constructs. Additionally, replication of these results should be sought in a larger, more diverse sample. Conclusion Overall, the findings suggest hostile interpretation bias may play a unique role in depression and could be a treatable feature of interpersonal mechanisms maintaining MDD.
ISSN:0165-0327
1573-2517
DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.070