If you are commenting on the study Pressman and Imber (2011), there is not an independent or dependent variable. (i.e., there is not an independent or dependent variable). Remember in an experimental study, which will have an independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is manipulated and then we observe changes in the dependent variable associated with this. In a correlational study, nothing is manipulated and we just observe covariation between the variables. What do you think?