Rosenquist, Fowler and Christakis (2011)

aim

to investigate if depressive symptoms can spread from person to person

method

statistical analysis of social networks

longitudinal study

participants were the 12,067 people who were participating in the Framingham Heart Study

procedure

data was obtained from an earlier Framingham Heart Study

information on participant’s friends, neighbors, co-workers & relatives were also collected in case the researchers needed to locate the participants

between 1983 & 2001, participants completed a questionnaire that measured depression, 3 times

all data was computerized, with a focus on levels of depression in each participant as well as their friends, relatives, co-workers & neighbors

data was analyzed using statistical methods of social network analysis

results

significant correlation in depressive symptoms between ppl up to 3 degrees of separation away

participants were:

93% more likely to be depressed, if they were connected to someone who was depressed

43% more likely to be depressed if a person within 2 degrees of separation (ex: a friend’s friend) was also depressed

37% more likely to be depressed if a person within 3 degrees of separation was also depressed

conclusion

if one person is experiencing depression, the ppl they’re socially connected to, may also experience depression

in this sense, symptoms of depression can spread like an infectious disease

strengths

data obtained from Framingham Heart Study

limitations

applications + implications

ultimately shows how depression is not isolated to one person

it affects the ppl surrounding the individual

can inform future treatment plans - important to treat the person suffering with depression, but also their close friends & family