Why do people think they are depressed?: The Reasons For Depression Questionnaire.

The reasons for depression questionnaire (RFD) was constructed to measure the explanations people give for being depressed. In the first study presented, items were generated and administered to a large undergraduate sample to evaluate internal consistency and derive a preliminary factor structure. Principal components analyses yielded 8 internally consistent subscales including characterological, achievement, interpersonal conflict, intimacy, existential, childhood, physical, and relationship oriented reasons for depression. In the second study, the RFD was administered to a clinically depressed sample along with additional measures of functioning in specific areas. Specific RFD scales were generally associated with measures of functioning in corresponding domains. For example, people who attributed their depression to a lack of intimacy or relationship problems, reported higher degrees of marital distress. Characterological reasons were associated with the tendency to offer global and stable reasons for other problems. The results are discussed with regard to the potential use of the RFD in case conceptualization and psychotherapy research.