Women's depression might hamper a smooth relationship--study

Depression impairs what psychologists term as 'empathic accuracy'- and that can aggravate alienation, depression, and the intimate cycle by which they feed each other, reports a study in 'Psychological Science,' a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

It chips away at the cognition to perceive the significant other's thoughts and feelings impeding an affectionate understanding between themselves.

A depressed partner mostly withdraws and appears disinterested in his/her partner's life altogether. The expression of depression can range from withdrawal to hostility. This leaves both the partners isolated and helpless.

50 couples roped in study
Three Israeli researchers, Reuma Gadassi and Nilly Mor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Eshkol Rafaeli at Bar-Ilan University, sought to apprehend 'dynamics' in love relationships, especially the role played by gender, according to a Hebrew University statement.

The study unveiled a startling dynamic. "It's called the partner effect," said Gadassi, a psychology graduate student. She explained, "Women's depression affects their own accuracy. But it also affected their partner's accuracy - in both cases, negatively."

Fifty heterosexual couples, some married, some shacking up together for an average of about five years were recruited in the study.

The trial split in two parts, the first half commenced with an assessment of their levels of depression in the form of a questionnaire.

Interpersonal perceptions of both were put to test in the lab.

A 12-minute conversation between the partners was videotaped which showed one seeking help from the other.

Midway through, a role-switch was observed, and the seeker turned into the helper.

Later on, the individuals watched the tapes and penned down their own thoughts and feelings as well as their partners. The reports were evaluated for similarities and differences between one's self-characterization and the other's perceptions on it.

The second part required the participants to jot down entries in a diary once-a-day for three weeks, rating a list of positive and negative moods and emotions about the relationship, not just their own but also their partner's, on a five-point scale. These entries were also assessed for "empathic accuracy."

Women's depression affects more
Both tests confirmed one common occurrence. The researchers discovered, the more depressed the woman was, the less accurate she was in deducing her partner's emotions.

The careful examination of the diary entries in the daily-life section brought out the peculiarity of depression's upshot to negative (vs. positive) feelings.

Men's own depression did not affect their empathic accuracy. Nonetheless, a man's blues would certainly impact a relationship, just "a different one," notes Gadassi.

However, the day-to-day diaries brought forth the most astonishing revelation: When women were depressed and their sensitivities numbed, their partners also became less empathic. Hence, the relationship suffers more when the woman feels dolorous. After all, mutual understanding is the bedrock of intimacy.

The study has notable implications, says Gadassi. It tells us "you can't understand depression without taking account of gender." The findings should inform treatment. "Bringing only the depressed woman into therapy is not enough," she says. "You really have to have both partners in the room."

Depression affects in ways myriad
Breakdown of communication smashes the chord of understanding in couples. The depressed partner often withdraws, which is more often than not taken as a sign of rejection by his/her partner. The relationship ceases to be enjoyable owing to the dearth of less shared meaningful dialogue between them.

The non-depressed partner may undergo feelings of guilt and frustration, not being able to help their loved one out. To add more agony, the one in depression may lash out in frustration and anger to the closest one.

Arguments and misunderstandings create a rift and leave both feeling that they are drifting apart from each other.

Depression, moreover, renders the couple unable to be emotionally or sexually intimate with each other and hence, deprived and unsatisfied sexually.

It can be associated with the loss of libido and erectile problems in men. Depressed women tend to lose interest in sex and may find it hard reaching orgasm.

The result is a feeling of rejection in the non-depressed one. The depressed one, on the other hand, may feel that his/her loved one is being selfish and insensitive.

Studies have shown that both genders have separate ways and expressions in a dolorous state.

Men make no bones about that they experience more fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, and loss of interest in fun activities. Whereas women affirm feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and sadness.

Misunderstanding is a common complain in couples. Many a time one's depression is misinterpreted as not wanting to be in the relationship with their partner anymore.

The damaging effects of depression can try even the most stable and secure couples. However, this condition is treatable, and with a bit of professional help, a relationship can survive.