Depression across the generations : intergenerational stories, meanings and resilience

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the meanings and stories held by families with multiple generations of depression. Two families with three different generations in each were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The chosen method of data analysis was interpretative phenomenological approach and findings were interpreted using attachment perspective, narrative and contextual ideas. Analysis of the themes revealed the multi-directional impact that depression had on these families and on their relationships. Although depression was experienced in all three generations, participants strived to break the cycle of depression by attempting to do things differently from previous generations. The idea that families made use of their internal resources to act as care givers for each other were also portrayed in the outcomes. Furthermore, findings indicated that in spite of the negative impact of depression, especially on the disconnection of relationships, resilience in these families shone through. Recommendations for future research were identified, especially considering the lack of qualitative research on intergenerational depression, and implications for practice and recommendations for policy were suggested.