Childhood depression and family interaction: A naturalistic observation study

Abstract
Screened a community sample of third- through fifth-grade children was screened for depressive symptomatology using multiple measures and informants. Ten depressed children, a matched sample of nondepressed controls, and their parents completed ratings of stressful life events and parenting practices. In addition, 3 hr of home observation data were obtained. Results revealed that both children and parents in families with a depressed child perceived their lives to be more stressful and their families' parenting practices to be more negative than the controls. Analyses of family interaction indicated that the family environments of depressed children were less rewarding, more aversive, and more disengaged than controls. Sequential analyses suggested bidirectional behavioral influences operating in depressed children and their family members.