In this study, depression is used as a measure of psychological distress. This study found that for both partners there was a significant negative association between self-efficacy and depression, and between depression and marital happiness. Also, for spouses there is a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and marital happiness. Self-control is another theme central to psychological models. These behaviors can be problematic in depression as exemplified in the self-concept disconfirmation model.
Problem solving and coping is the last theme included in the psychological models.
It suggests that depression can be understood as a failure to cope with ongoing life problems or stressors. Adequate coping skills can help to moderate the effects of these problems. These five themes are general to all psychological models of depression that are products of the individual focus. The models chosen to exemplify each theme are considered to be most representative of the particular idea. These models do, however, overlap.