Correlation of personality traits of dependency, self-criticism and childhood abuse in patients with major depression

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation of personality traits of dependence, self-criticism and childhood abuse in patients with major depression. Methods As a case-control study, 80 patients with major depression and 80 normal controls took apart in this study. They were separately evaluated by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), depressive experiences questionnaire (DEQ) and child abuse questionnaire (CTQ). Results Each factor scores of dependency (90.77±14.54) and self-criticism (68.00±15.02) in patients with major depression were significantly higher than that in normal control group (77.96±11.81, 50.02±10.38, P<0.05). Dependence was significantly positive correlated with physical abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect (P<0.05); and self-criticism were significantly positive correlated with emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect (P<0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that dependence, self-criticism could directly predict depressive symptoms respectively (β=0.283, P<0.05), (β=0.284, P<0.05), and emotional abuse could affect depressive symptoms by intermediation of dependency and self-criticism . Conclusion Emotional abuse can impact on depressive symptoms indirectly by dependent and self-criticism personality traits which suggest personality traits of dependency and self-criticism probably play an intermediate effect role between childhood abuse and major depression. Key words: Major depression; Self-criticism; Dependency; Abuse; Personality traits