Yamakawa & Sakamoto (2015)

Yamakawa, I.（山川樹）, & Sakamoto, S.（坂本真士） (2015).
Insisting on Depression, but not Showing Symptoms: A Japanese Study of Excuse-Making. 
症状を呈さない鬱病の主張
International Journal of Psychological Studies, 7, 146-154.
doi: 10.5539/ijps.v7n2p146

Since the late 1990s, Japanese psychiatrists have reported the appearance of a Modern Type Depression (MTD), which has different features from melancholic depression. Using a case vignette method, we looked at one of the distinctive features of MTD; that is, “insisting on depression”. In particular, we examined whether the statement “I think I may have depressive disorder” can be accepted as an excuse for not fulfilling ones’ duty when one does not show any symptoms of depressive disorder. Participants comprised 344 Japanese undergraduates who were presented with a short scenario describing social predicaments and who subsequently assessed the excuse value in terms of impression and behavioral reaction on the transgressor. Results showed that even though the transgressor did not show any symptoms of depressive disorder, insisting that one may have depressive disorder seemed to be accepted. Additionally, consistent with Weiner’s cognitive (attribution)–emotion–action model, the more positive impressions observers have on the transgressor, the more they are motivated to react kindly to the transgressor. Some unexpected findings and limitations of the present study were discussed.

いわゆる「新型うつ」はその特徴の一つとして，自ら積極的に「うつ（病）である」と主張することが挙げられています。そしてこの特徴に対して，「うつ（病）である」ということを不都合に対する弁解にしている面があるのではないか，という指摘があります。本研究はこの点について，自己呈示理論（弁解研究）をベースとして検討しました。大学生を対象に，場面想定法を使った質問紙実験を実施した結果，たとえ事前にうつ病の症状を示していなくても，失敗した後に「自分はうつ病だと思う」と発言することは，印象の悪化，あるいは罰や叱責といった否定的な反応を抑える妥当な弁解として機能することが示唆されました。