To test a caregiving model of depression in spouses, 31 married couples completed interview and questionnaire assessments of depressive symptoms and caregiving activities. Spouses living with a partner with depressive symptoms had more symptoms of depression themselves. However, this association was found to be fully mediated by spouses' perceived level of caregiving stress and burden. Results suggest that feelings of stress associated with caring for a depressed spouse may lead to depressive symptoms in the caregiving spouse and should be addressed in treatment.