These models can be divided into three groups. The first three models (common cause, continuum/spectrum, and precursor) view personality and depression as having similar causal influences but do not see one as having a causal influence on the other. The fourth and fifth models (predisposition and pathoplasticity) hold that personality has causal effects on the onset or maintenance of depression. Finally, the sixth and seventh models (concomitants and consequences) view depression as having a causal influence on personality. These models, and their unique predictions, are summarized in Table 1.
