Simulated criticism from a significant other as a precipitating factor for depression in dependent personalities

The effect of simulated criticism from a significant other on the occurrence of depressed affect in persons with dependent personalities was investigated within an analogue population of college undergraduates. The experimental sample consisted of 80 non-depressed participants who were classified on the basis of the Millon Clinical Muttiaxiai Inventory (MCMI) and assigned to one of four participant groups based upon personality style (Dependent, Histrionic/ Narcissistic Control, Other Personality Control, and Normal Control). Simulated criticism from a significant other who accompanied the participant to the study was administered following an interactive period between the participant and their significant other. Dependent measures of the participant's concurrent depressed affect were taken before and after receipt of this simulated criticism, using the Depression Adjective Check List (DACL)