Final answer:
The Interpersonal Stress Model by Hammen et al. examines the cyclical link between stress and depression, suggesting that personal vulnerabilities may increase stress, which then exacerbates depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study by Hammen et al. (2004) in the realm of Interpersonal Stress Model primarily explores the relationship between depression and stress in an individual's life.
Specifically, it suggests that those suffering from depression may be more inclined to experience stressful events due to personal factors that increase their vulnerability.
The model posits that this stress, in turn, might aggravate depressive symptoms, creating a cyclical relationship between stress and depression. Studies like Caspi et al. (2003) delve into the genetic predisposition to depression by examining polymorphisms in the 5-HTT gene that affects serotonin transport.
Furthermore, Sullivan, R. M. (2004) reveals how brain asymmetry and neurotransmitter activity influence stress processing, which could contribute to the underlying mechanisms of the Interpersonal Stress Model.