Contribution of Materialism, Loneliness, Quality of Interpersonal Relationship on Depression and Happiness Among People with Dysthymia

Introduction: The present study aims to explore the role of materialism, loneliness and quality of interpersonal relationship as  predictors of Dysthymia, along with the contribution of happiness as a potential protective factor. Methods: The study is divided into two phases. In Phase I, information schedule, Modified Kuppuswamy’s Socio-Economic Status Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, General Health Questionnaire, Ger and Belk’s Revised Materialism Scale, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale Relationship Profile Test were administered on 120 participants (60 participants having Dysthymia and 60 normal control). In Phase II, Subjective Happiness Scale was administered, and semi structured interview on happiness was conducted. Results: In Phase I, Descriptive statistics revealed that dysthymic people scored higher on each domain of materialism, loneliness, destructive overdependence and dysfunctional detachment while their score of healthy dependency was lower than that of non-dysthymic people. By using binominal logistic regression, it was found that possessiveness, loneliness and healthy dependency significantly predicted the probability of having dysthymia. In Phase II, t test showed significant difference among two groups in terms of subjective happiness. The qualitative findings revealed happiness to be associated with materialistic possession and other extrinsic motivators among the people having Dysthymia. However, healthy control group define happiness in terms of altruism, independence, honesty and responsibility taking. Conclusion: Possessiveness, loneliness and healthy dependency were found to be the predictors of Dysthymia. Along with that, it is also revealed that excessive materialistic comfort leads to more competition and social withdrawal, but positive interpersonal relationship enhances happiness and relieves pain.