Depressive personality styles: Implications for adult attachment

Abstract

The depressive personality styles described by Blatt (dependency and self-criticism) and Beck (sociotropy and autonomy) are thought to be associated with distinctive approaches to close relationships. Two studies were conducted to examine the interpersonal correlates of Blatt and Beck's constructs using the conceptual framework of attachment theory. In Study 1, male and female undergraduates completed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), the Personal Style Inventory (PSI), Collins and Read's ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 58, 644–663, 1990) measure of adult attachment style, and measures of satisfaction, trust, and self-disclosure in romantic relationships. In Study 2, male and female undergraduates completed the DEQ, the PSI, and a measure of the two dimensions underlying Bartholomew and Horowitz' ( Journal of Personlity and Social Psychology, 61, 226–244, 1991) four-category attachment system. Dependency and Sociotropy were associated with an anxious attachment style. Self-Criticism and Autonomy were associated with a fearful avoidant attachment style, although Autonomy implied higher levels of avoidance. Similarities and differences between Blatt and Beck's constructs were discussed, and processes mediating vulnerability to dysphoria were identified.