Depressive Symptoms in Women and the Preference and Emotional Benefits of Discussing Positive Life Events

Abstract

Discussing positive life events with other people—a process referred to as capitalization—generally enhances positive emotions and well-being. We examined current symptoms of depression as an individual difference factor likely to be associated with the preference and emotional benefits of capitalization in a sample of women with a range of depressive symptoms. Specifically, when given a choice to capitalize on a positive life event or discuss a negative life event, we hypothesized that women with greater symptoms of depression would be more likely to choose to discuss a negative event. Next, regardless of preference, all participants completed a capitalization interaction with a highly supportive confederate. We tested competing hypotheses regarding the emotional consequences of capitalization, as greater depressive symptoms could interfere with the emotional benefit or, alternatively, could be associated with enhanced emotional benefits. As predicted, findings suggested that depressive symptoms were associated with a greater preference to discuss a negative rather than positive event. Notably, when examining change in emotion following capitalization, findings supported the benefit hypothesis. Together, findings suggested that women with greater depressive symptoms were less inclined to capitalize but, when prompted to do so, experienced greater improvements in current levels of positive and negative emotion. Clinical implications and ideas for continued systematic study of depression and this positive emotion regulation strategy are discussed.