Thesis (M. A.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Rosemary O. Nelson-Gray ; submitted to the Dept. of Psychology. Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-32).

Past studies examining the role of psychopathology in intimate relationships have largely focused on the construct of depression, both as a cause and consequence of relationship distress. In contrast, far less attention has been given to anxiety, despite the fact that anxiety is related to several factors influencing relationship functioning, including problem solving skills, thoughts of threat and uncertainty, sexual dysfunction, excessive self-focus and alcohol abuse. Moreover, the high rates of comorbidity between anxiety and depression make it unclear whether the findings from past studies examining the interpersonal toll of depression are specific to depression or are nonspecific markers of any type of psychopathology. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential roles of depression and anxiety in intimate relationship satisfaction, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Further, using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM), we examined both the effects of one’s own anxiety and depression and also of one’s partner’s anxiety and depression on one’s own relationship satisfaction. Our cross-sectional sample consisted of 70 couples, of which 48 couples also participated at follow-up. All couples completed measures of relationship satisfaction and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cross-sectionally, results revealed that a person’s own symptoms of depression were the only predictors of relationship satisfaction. Conversely, depressive symptoms did not predict change in relationship satisfaction over time. Instead, a person’s own levels of anxiety at time 1 were a stronger predictor of this change. Among wives, change in relationship satisfaction was also predicted by their husbands’ levels of anxiety at time 1. These results highlight the importance of studying the constructs of depression and anxiety simultaneously, and point to intriguing gender differences. The potential mechanisms behind these effects are discussed.

Past studies examining the role of psychopathology in intimate relationships have largely focused on the construct of depression, both as a cause and consequence of relationship distress. In contrast, far less attention has been given to anxiety, despite the fact that anxiety is related to several factors influencing relationship functioning, including problem solving skills, thoughts of threat and uncertainty, sexual dysfunction, excessive self-focus and alcohol abuse. Moreover, the high rates of comorbidity between anxiety and depression make it unclear whether the findings from past studies examining the interpersonal toll of depression are specific to depression or are nonspecific markers of any type of psychopathology. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the differential roles of depression and anxiety in intimate relationship satisfaction, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Further, using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM), we examined both the effects of one’s own anxiety and depression and also of one’s partner’s anxiety and depression on one’s own relationship satisfaction. Our cross-sectional sample consisted of 70 couples, of which 48 couples also participated at follow-up. All couples completed measures of relationship satisfaction and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cross-sectionally, results revealed that a person’s own symptoms of depression were the only predictors of relationship satisfaction. Conversely, depressive symptoms did not predict change in relationship satisfaction over time. Instead, a person’s own levels of anxiety at time 1 were a stronger predictor of this change. Among wives, change in relationship satisfaction was also predicted by their husbands’ levels of anxiety at time 1. These results highlight the importance of studying the constructs of depression and anxiety simultaneously, and point to intriguing gender differences. The potential mechanisms behind these effects are discussed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2009. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Advisor: Dr. Ellen S. Berler, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 19, 2005). Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 48 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Introduction: Young people recovering from first episode psychosis experience a high degree of emotional distress and co-morbidity. Depression and social anxiety are highly prevalent following first episode psychosis and have been associated with poorer outcome, increased risk of suicide and lower quality of life. However, there is little research examining how these emotional difficulties relate to the course of psychotic symptoms and subsequent adaptation and recovery. The primary aim of this research was to establish a grounded theory of the experience of mood and anxiety related difficulties in young people who experience a first episode psychosis. Secondly, the research aimed to establish the underlying psychological factors contributing to the relationship between psychosis and affective dysfunction. Method: The study used a mixed-methods design with primacy given to the qualitative component (QUAL+quan). Young people (n=10) who had experienced a first-episode of psychosis were interviewed and completed measures of depression, social anxiety and recovery. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a social constructivist version of grounded theory. Quantitative measures were integrated with the qualitative data, providing a framework for re-examining inferences made in the qualitative analysis. Results: The overarching theme to emerge was the experience of a developmental trajectory of psychosis. Seven key categories were identified: The build up; coping; breaking point; facing diagnosis; impact of illness; getting stuck and; moving on. Isolation, low mood and anxiety were universal outcomes and appeared to be mediated by maladaptive forms of coping and mood regulation in addition to psychological appraisals and negative illnessrelated experiences. Conclusions: The findings suggest that depression and social anxiety are not co-morbid features of psychosis but are intrinsically linked to the underlying processes involved in coping with and adapting to psychosis. Strengths and limitations of the research are discussed and implications for clinical practice and further research are reviewed.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2009. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Psy.D.)--Wheaton College, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (l. 31-35).

Thesis (DPsych) -- School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 2004. / "... submitted in partial requirement for the degree of the Professional Doctorate in Psychology, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, 2004". Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-274).