Social Density, Stressors, and Depression: Gender Differences Among the Black Elderly

Abstract

This research examined gender differences with regard to the effects of social density and stressors upon depressive symptomatology among 600 Black elderly community residents (aged 55-85 years) of Nashville, Tennessee. The sample had more females than males and fewer married individuals. Approximately half of the males and females lived alone. Regression analyses show that poor ego and chronic medical problems were the common predictors of depression among both the males and females. Gender differences were found with regard to life events in that females tended to become more depressed as the number of events increased and as level of contact with relatives and friends decreased. Further, females with lower levels of social attachment, guidance, and reliability were more depressed. None of these social support dimensions related to depression among the males. These relationships tended to be stronger for those living alone than for those living with others.

Correlates of psychological distress among Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican elders living in the USA

“…Findings are mixed. Several studies found that social support systems can mediate the impact of stress among the elderly (Arling 1987;Husaini, Moore, Castor, Whitten-Stovall, Linn & Griggin 1991;Noms & Murrell 1984). However, other evidence indicated that family support can be a source of psychological distress among the elderly (e.g., Rook 1984).…”

Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Among Black and Hispanic Frail Elders: A Sociocultural Perspective

“…Some evidence indicates no relationship between coping resources and depression (Warheit, Vega, Shimizu, & Meinhardt, 1982). Several studies found that social support systems can mediate the impact of stress among the elderly (Arling, 1987;Husaini et al, 1991;Krause, 1986;Noms&MHrell, 1984).0nthecontrary, some evidence indicates that family support can be a source of psychological distress among the elderly (Rook, 1984).…”

“…On the other hand, Markides and Krause (1985) found that high levels of family interaction were associated with greater depression among older Mexicans. Research on older Blacks indicates that family help did provide a buffering effect on psychological distress (Husaini et al, 1991;Ulbrich & Warheit, 1989).…”

“…Many researchers have compared the psychological well-being and distress of older Blacks and older Whites (e.g., Husaini et al, 1990 ;Smallegan, 1989;Ulbrich & Warheit, 1989). Few studies have explored the depression and other mental health issues that ethnic minority elderly persons experience by examining the differences as well as the similarities within these groups.…”

The effects of social support, life events, and demographic factors on depression among Maori and Europeans in New Zealand rural, town, and urban environments

“…From a survey of elderly Black community residents (Husaini et al, 1991), and in a study of adolescents (Windle, 1992), the expected main effects of social support and stressful life events on depression were found for women, but not for men. Without controlling for ethnicity, Russell and Catrona (1991) and Murrell and Norris (1991) did find the expected main effects for both sexes with samples of elderly men and women.…”