Decision-Making and Family Planning among People with Clinical Depressiveness-Findings from a Representative German Panel Study.

Abstract

Personally important decisions, like reproductive choices, may be challenging for individuals with clinical depressiveness, as indecisiveness is a common depressive symptom. This study examines whether decision-making modes related to reproductive behavior differ between individuals with and without clinical depressiveness (H1) and whether these modes remain stable over time, even after the birth of the first child (H2). Data stem from the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam). Clinical depressiveness was measured using State-Trait Depression Scales and decision-making modes through items on reproductive behavior. H1 was analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and post hoc analysis of variance (ANOVA); H2 via fixed-effect regressions and cross-lagged panel model. A significant group difference emerged in the combined decision-making modes (Pillai's trace = 0.009, F(6, 4832) = 7.32, p < 0.001). Individuals with clinical depressiveness engaged more in rational and avoidant modes, whereas those without favored normative decision-making. Decision-making remained stable between subjects; within-subject analyses showed alterations over time. Between subjects, decision-making remained stable. Characteristics of depressive symptoms and individual circumstances may explain the results. Future research should incorporate other clinical conditions and qualitative analyses. Practitioners should consider individual costs, benefits, and decisional postponement.