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Involuntary subordination or dependency as key dimensions of depressive vulnerability?
Author(s) -
Gilbert Paul,
Allan Steven,
Trent Dennis R.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4679(199511)51:6<740::aid-jclp2270510604>3.0.co;2-#
Subject(s) - psychology , subordination (linguistics) , social psychology , dependency (uml) , vulnerability (computing) , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology , philosophy , linguistics , computer security , systems engineering , computer science , engineering
Dependency associated with depression involves at least two forms of social behavior: (a) needs for nurturance/protection and close attachment, and an inability to function independently and (b) being (de)valued, fear of disapproval, and social status. In many studies, measures of dependency combine these two dimensions. This paper argues that this has led to confusion on the salient dimensions related to depression. It is suggested that behaviors currently regarded as dependent, and linked to depression, are better understood as forms of involuntary subordination that involve judgments of personal inferiority, and submissive‐appeasement behavior. This paper presents preliminary evidence that social status, and its associated features of negative self‐other comparisons and submissive behavior, may be particularly relevant to depression.