ENDOGENEITY AND REACTIVITY AS ORTHOGONAL DIMENSIONS IN DEPRESSION

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Abstract
Endogeneity and reactivity have long been considered polar opposites of a major dimension of depression. The present factor analytic study examines 35 distinct depressive symptoms in 3 depressed samples and supports the conceptualization of Klein that endogeneity and reactivity can be construed as orthogonal, independent dimensions. Symptoms consistently loading on an endogeneity factor are: lacking in reactivity to environmental changes; showing no interest in life; retarded (slow, feeling tired, etc.); feeling unable to act; considering self lazy; feeling helpless and powerless; and perceiving depression as qualitatively different from ordinary sadness. Symptoms consistently loading on a reactivity factor are: feeling that he or she is bearing troubles; presence of precipitating stress; crediting problems to excessive family and/or job responsibilities; expressing concern for welfare of family and friends; visceral symptoms; feeling at "end of rope"; having middle-of-the-night insomnia; and showing self-pity. A methodology is suggested for identifying depressives who are high-high, low-high, high-low, and low-low on the endogeneity and reactivity factors.

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