Gender Differences in Observed and Perceived Stress and Coping in Couples with a Depressed Partner

Barbara Gabriel,Guy Bodenmann,Steven R H Beach

doi:10.4236/ojd.2016.52002

Barbara Gabriel, Guy Bodenmann + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4236/ojd.2016.52002

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Abstract

Recent results show higher perceived stress and more dysfunctional coping in depressed individuals, and suggest that dyadic approaches focused on enhancing couples coping can be useful in treating depression. At the same time, a long tradition of research on couples with a depressed partner suggests potential differences between couples who are more or less maritally distressed, as well as due to the gender of depressed spouse. The present study investigates the association of gender and marital satisfaction with stress and coping patterns in couples with a depressed partner by comparing 4 groups (maritally distressed and non-distressed couples in which either the male or female partner was suffering from depression). Both questionnaires and observed marital interaction tasks were used to assess all constructs. Evidence was found for greater stress and stress generating coping practices for depressed individuals and more dysfunctional dyadic coping in maritally distressed couples. In addition, we identified gender-related patterns associated with depression and marital distress that may be important in working with couples. Coping oriented couples approaches may benefit from consideration of gender differences to maximize therapeutic effectiveness with a range of couples with a depressed partner.

Highlights

Depressed individuals experience greater stress but lower competency in dealing with stress (e.g. Felsten, 2002; Papageorgiou & Wells, 2003)
Gender and index person effects on stress and coping responses by comparing groups of maritally distressed and non-distressed couples in which either the male or female partner was suffering from depression
The goal of the study was to investigate the potential use of coping oriented couple approaches (e.g. Coping-Oriented Couples Therapy (COCT)) and to specify potential impacts of gender differences in stress and coping in areas that might influence the implementation of such interventions for depression

Summary

Introduction

Depressed individuals experience greater stress but lower competency in dealing with stress (e.g. Felsten, 2002; Papageorgiou & Wells, 2003). In addition to the important role of individual coping in depression, there is a pivotal role for couple relationship variables and dyadic influences on coping (Beach, Whisman & Bodenmann, 2014; Bodenmann, Charvoz, Widmer & Bradburry, 2004; Rehmann, Gollan, & Mortimer, 2008). Bodenmann, 2000), defined as shared competencies in couples to cope together with daily stress, has been shown to be an important resource in managing both depressive symptoms and relationship well-being (Beach et al, 2014; Bodenmann, Pihet & Kaiser 2006; Bodenmann et al, 2008). The initial success of COCT notwithstanding, its clinical utility could be enhanced by better explication of the variability in individual and couple coping patterns among couples who may vary in level of relationship distress as well as sex of the identified patient. Prior research on gender has identified differences that may be important in the maintenance and escalation of depression and marital distress (e.g. Gabriel, Beach & Bodenmann, 2010; Bodenmann et al, 2004)

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