Depressive Symptoms Among Women Receiving Welfare

Abstract

Using data from an ongoing study of welfare recipients and their preschool-aged children, this study examined levels and correlates of self-reported depressive symptoms, and factors predicting transition off welfare assistance, among 173 low-income, single, African American mothers. Forty percent reported symptom levels that are likely to indicate a diagnosis of clinical depression, and very few had received any mental health services. Mothers who had lived as children in households that received AFDC, who had received AFDC themselves for more than five years, who perceived less social support to be available to them, and who reported more life stressors, had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms. Controlling for these factors associated with depression, women with higher symptom levels were slightly less likely to stop receiving AFDC tor some period of time over the two years of the study, but were no less likely to work or attend school. Implications of these findings for the development of programs and services for families on welfare are discussed.

Changes in Lone Mothers’ Health: A Longitudinal Analysis

“…Furthermore, Hope et al (1999) showed a higher risk of psychological distress among lone mothers with financial hardship and unemployment. Additionally, there is also a higher prevalence of mental disorders for lone mothers who rely on welfare benefits (Coiro 2001). Further, the combination of poverty and the sole responsibility of childcare may culminate with social isolation, which is known as an important determinant of depression symptoms (Taragosz et al 2003).…”

Leveraging Social Networks in Direct Services: Are Foundations Doing All They Can?

“…• cardio-vascular health, in ways such as elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, and increased coronary heart disease, stroke, and mortality from myocardial infarction (see Stansfeld, 2006;Uchino, 2006); • immune functioning and immune-mediated inflammatory processes (see Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010;Marmot, 2004), including altering gene expression (Caccioppo et al, 2009); • behavioral and mental health, including alcoholism, depression, and suicidal ideation and behavior (see Coiro, 2001;Caccioppo et al, 2009). …”

Predictors of Depressive Symptoms and Obesity in African American Women Transitioning from Welfare to Work

“…In a longitudinal study of current welfare recipients, women who reported receiving welfare benefits during childhood had higher rates of depressive symptoms than women who did not receive welfare benefits as children (Coiro, 2001). Furthermore, in a study of single, low-income women with young children (N = 1602), depressive symptoms interfered with the ability of these women to engage in work-related activities, and their children were likely to have conduct problems in school (Rosman & Yoshikawa, 2001).…”

“…Studies have shown that African American women on welfare are more susceptible to depressive symptoms and obesity with increasing age (McElroy et al, 2004). Limited education has been associated with adverse health outcomes including depressive symptoms and obesity in women on welfare (Blazer, Moody-Ayers, Craft-Morgan, & Burchett, 2002;Coiro, 2001). …”

“…Depression has been associated with receipt of welfare benefits during childhood (Coiro, 2001). In a longitudinal study of current welfare recipients, women who reported receiving welfare benefits during childhood had higher rates of depressive symptoms than women who did not receive welfare benefits as children (Coiro, 2001).…”