The Connection Between Close Relationships and Depression

Jin Wu

2025

Abstract

Depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most pervasive mental health disorders that has affected millions of individuals globally. In this field of study, researchers have examined many factors that could affect and help with the disorder. In this review, the intricate connection between close relationships and depression is discussed. By exploring how the quality of intimate relationships including romantic partnerships, family relationships, and close friendships influence the depressive symptoms, several conclusions have been made. Supportive and high-quality relationships could serve as protective factors that reduced the risk and severity of depression as well as provided emotional resilience. On the other hand, conflict, abuse or insecure attachment styles could increase the vulnerability to depressive symptoms. This bidirectional influence was addressed, acknowledging that depression could also strain close relationships. The implication for supportive therapy and interventions such as Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) and Family Based Therapy (FBT) were also discussed.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Wu J. (2025). The Connection Between Close Relationships and Depression. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Applied Psychology and Marketing Management - Volume 1: APMM; ISBN 978-989-758-791-7, SciTePress, pages 435-439. DOI: 10.5220/0014121600004942

in Bibtex Style

@conference{apmm25,
author={Jin Wu},
title={The Connection Between Close Relationships and Depression},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Applied Psychology and Marketing Management - Volume 1: APMM},
year={2025},
pages={435-439},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0014121600004942},
isbn={978-989-758-791-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Applied Psychology and Marketing Management - Volume 1: APMM
TI - The Connection Between Close Relationships and Depression
SN - 978-989-758-791-7
AU - Wu J.
PY - 2025
SP - 435
EP - 439
DO - 10.5220/0014121600004942
PB - SciTePress