Further Development of the Interpersonal Contingencies Model: Our Reply to the Mezulis & Funasaki and Burwell & Shirk Commentaries

Abstract

In our reply to the commentaries on Cambron, Acitelli, & Pettit’s paper (this issue), we address the issue discussed in both commentaries: the need to take a developmental approach to the study of gender differences in depression. In response to Mezulis and Funasaki (this issue), we attempt to specify where the Cambron et al. paper supports their point that vulnerability, stress, and vulnerability-stress interaction may vary across domains. We also enumerate several hypotheses that are derived from our model of gender differences in depression. In response to Burwell and Shirk (this issue), we agree with the need to investigate the origin of self-esteem contingencies, and that the measurement of self-esteem contingencies is fraught with problems. We also remind readers that whether examining interpersonal relationship or physical appearance risk factors for depression, we must focus on the extent to which one’s self-esteem is based on that domain.