Liens entre la dépression et la dépendance interpersonnelle : l'importance du locus de contrôle

We explored in this study the powerful links joining pathological dependency with depression. These correlations confirm and specify data found in literature. This work is in favor of a conception of external locus of control as a psychopathologic component between depression and dependent personality. This cognitive aspect manifests vulnerability in the depression of the patients suffering from pathological dependency. Also, the place of external locus of control (“powerful others” and “chance”) seems to be a cognitive dimension more pathogenic than the internal locus of control. It will be necessary to investigate other psychopathological dimensions such as self-esteem in a longitudinal report. Without neglecting neurobiological vulnerability in depression, it is pertinent to identify this cognitive fragility to optimize the psychotherapies.