Is depression contagious?‘Cognitive vulnerability’ may be transferable between roommates, study finds
Cognitive vulnerability’ may be transferable between roommates Being around someone who is depressed or exhibiting negative behaviour may be "contagious," as cognitive vulnerability and bad moods appear to be transferable between those living in close proximity to each other, new research suggests. College roommates often share clothes, food and sometimes even the common cold or flu virus. But a new study from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana says depressive behaviour among roommates may also be contagious, often manifesting itself in as short a time as three months. Psychological scientists Gerald Haeffel and Jennifer Hames say that a person’s negative thoughts about life stresses can actually “rub off” on roommates, and raising risk factors for depression in those people within six months. Researchers say people who view personal hardships or tragedies as something that is out of their control and a reflection of their own failings are more vulnerable to ...