An attempt to operationally define depressive retardation in 72 inpatients aged 4-16 used two percept-genetic tests. In a serial visual afterimage (AI) test retardation was defined as a successive reduction of AI size, and in a serial tachistoscopic presentation using the meta-contrast technique (MCT) it was seen as stereotyped repetitions of incorrect reports. These test signs correlated with each other and with clinical symptoms of depression. MCT stereotypy was associated in early school-age with signs suggesting a previous narcissistic injury. AI retardation was also evident in a normal group, particularly at age levels characterized by subjective expansion and anxiety. Depressive retardation, considered as an anxiety-curbing measure, can be observed down to the age of seven. (Author)