Publication Date
7-1-2001
Summary
Poverty is associated with negative health outcomes, including depression. Little is known about the specific elements of poverty that contribute to depression, particularly among African- American women at risk for type 2 diabetes. This study examined the relationships of economic and social resources to depression among African-American women at high risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (N=181) using the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory as a conceptual framework. Women were assessed at three time points in conjunction with a dietary change intervention. At baseline, 40% of women reported clinically significant depression and 43.3% were below the poverty line. Depressed (CESD total score > 16) women reported fewer economic assets and greater economic distress than non-depressed peers. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that non-work status, lack of home ownership, low appraisal of economic situation, low self-esteem, and increased life events were significantly associated with depression at baseline. Longitudinal multivariate logistic regression models indicated that income, home ownership, future economic appraisal, life events and self-esteem predicted depression trajectories at Time 3. These results speak to the multifaceted sources of stress in the lives of poor African-American women. Interventions that address the economic and social factors associated with depression are needed.
Document Type
Working Paper
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Asset Building
Original Citation
De Groot, M., Auslander, W., Williams, J. H., Sherraden, M., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2001). Depression and poverty among African-American women at risk for Type 2 diabetes (CSD Working Paper No. 01-9). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Keywords
African American, Women, poverty, mental health
Recommended Citation
De Groot, M., Auslander, W., Williams, J. H., Sherraden, M., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2001). Depression and poverty among African-American women at risk for Type 2 diabetes (CSD Working Paper No. 01-9). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7HH6JNG
Notes
Subsequent publication: De Groot, M., Auslander, W., Williams, J. H., Sherraden, M., & Haire-Joshu, D. (2003). Depression and poverty among African American women at risk for type 2 diabetes. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25(3), 172–181. doi:10.1207/S15324796ABM2503_03