The prevalence of depression in the United States has become a major public health problem. Studies on depression frequently reveal that many patients remain depressed posthospitalization. The purpose of the study was to describe existing relationships among the variables Patient Perception of Ward Atmosphere, Nurse Perception of Ward Atmosphere, Personality Characteristics, Depression, and Length of Hospitalization for a sample of depressed psychiatric inpatients.

Thirty-four randomly sampled hospitals participated in the study. Ninety-four patients and 56 nurses participated. Patients completed the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), the Ward Atmosphere Scale (PWAS), the Center for Epidemiology on Depression Scale (CES-D) and a Demographic Form. Nurses completed the Ward Atmosphere Scale (NWAS) and a Demographic Form.

Data were analyzed using the LISREL VI computer program and multiple regression. Results of the study revealed that the postulated model was inaccurate. Results of the study also indicated that 8.8% of the variance in Length of Hospitalization was explained by the PWAS variable of Order and Organization and the Personality variable Tough Poise. Further, the Personality variables of Anxiety and Extraversion, and the NWAS variable Involvement accounted for 42% of the variance in Depression.

The results of the study indicated that high interpersonal involvement is associated with decreased depressive symptoms. The study's findings also suggest that patients' perceptions of psychiatric units as orderly and organized are associated with shorter hospital stays. The findings indicate, however, that perception of ward atmosphere may have a differential effect on patients with certain personality characteristics. Moreover, the lack of a significant relationship between Length of Hospitalization and Depression in the study indicate that preferences for long or short-term hospital stays should not be based exclusively on the presence or absence of depressive symptoms.

Recommendations were made to conduct a similar study using measures that are reliable and valid. Recommendations were also made to explore the role of social involvement in the development and maintenance of depression.