Covergent and discriminant validity of perceived criticism from spouses and family members

As a more efficient alternative to measuring expressed emotion (EE) in families. Hooley and Teasdale (1989) measured perceived criticism (PC) from spouses by asking patients: 'How critical is your spouse of you?' using a 10-point Likert scale. The PC item was highly predictive of relapse of depressive episodes, even more so than EE derived from the length), Camberwell Family Interview (CFI; Vaugn and Left. 1976b). However, this item has undergone little validation. Hence, PC could be associated with other factors (third variables) that could account for its relationship with relapse of depressive episodes. The present study examined the convergent and discriminant validity of PC from both spouses and family members by correlating it with measures of depression, personality, and social functioning. Subjects included outpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for major depression or dysthymia. PC did not correlate with measures of depression or maladaptive personality traits and was moderately correlated with measures of social functioning. Hence, PC demonstrated excellent discriminant validity and moderate convergent validity.