Depression in Black Single Mothers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test a theoretical model of depression for Black single mothers. Participants were 208 Black single mothers, aged 18 to 45, recruited from community settings. The a priori over-identified recursive theoretical model was tested via the LISREL 9.1 program using a maximum likelihood estimation for structural equation modeling. The chi-square indicated that there was an excellent fit of the model with the data, χ(2)(1, N = 208) = .05, p = .82. The fit indices for the model were excellent. Path coefficients were statistically significant for seven out of eight of the direct paths within the model (p < .05). The two indirect paths were also statistically significant. The theory was supported and can be applied by health care professionals when working with depressed Black single mothers.

Coping with Depression in Single Black Mothers

“…According to a national health survey, Blacks are more likely to report symptoms of depression, yet less likely to receive mental health treatment, counseling, or treatment for a major depressive episode when compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts (US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health [USDHHS OMH], 2014). These facts are reflected in what we know about black single mothers, 47% to 70% of whom report depressive symptoms indicative of mild to severe clinical depression in published studies (Atkins, 2010, 2015; Hatcher, 2008; Siefert, Williams, Finlayson, Delva, & Ismail, 2007). This rate is six times the rate of depressive symptoms reported in the general population of US adults (6.9%; NIMH, 2012), up to double the rate reported in black women in general (21% to 39%; Abel & Crane, 2014; Bronder, Speight, Witherspoon, & Thomas, 2014; Makambi, Williams, Taylor, Rosenberg, & Adams-Campbell, 2009), and up to four times the rate reported in elderly African Americans (5.4% to 30%; Pickett, Bazelais, & Bruce, 2013).…”

“…This rate is six times the rate of depressive symptoms reported in the general population of US adults (6.9%; NIMH, 2012), up to double the rate reported in black women in general (21% to 39%; Abel & Crane, 2014; Bronder, Speight, Witherspoon, & Thomas, 2014; Makambi, Williams, Taylor, Rosenberg, & Adams-Campbell, 2009), and up to four times the rate reported in elderly African Americans (5.4% to 30%; Pickett, Bazelais, & Bruce, 2013). Despite these facts, black single mothers are rarely identified and treated for depressive symptoms (Atkins, 2015; Beaufont-Lafontant, 2007; Waite & Killian, 2009), and are hesitant to seek treatment or report depressive symptoms to health care providers (Beauboeuf-Lafontant, 2007; Waite & Killian, 2008, 2009). Clinical depression is a serious mental illness defined by its symptoms (Radloff, 1977), which negatively impact physical health, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning (Borsbo, Peolsson, & Gerdle, 2009; Coyne, 2009; Dinan, 1999; Lam et al, 2009).…”

“…Black single mothers have multiple risk factors that exponentially increase their vulnerability to depressive symptoms (Atkins, 2010; 2015; United States Census, 2012; R. Clark, Anderson, Clark, & Williams, 1999), while decreasing their available coping resources (Pearlin & Schooler, 1978).…”

“…Their responses were categorized according to the eight coping subscales in the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkman & Lazarus, 1986; described in detail later). The women’s responses were part of a larger research project that tested a theory of depression via structural equation modeling in 208 black single mothers (Atkins, 2015). The sociocultural and historic contexts that influence the most prevalent ways of coping also are used to interpret these data, and implications for reducing mental health disparities are discussed.…”

Outcomes of Depression in Black Single Mothers

“…Studies have shown that up to 70% of Black single mothers report depressive symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of mild to moderate clinical depression (Hatcher, Rayens, Peden, & Hall, 2008; Kneipp, Welch, Wood, Yucha, & Yarandi, 2007; Siefert, Williams, Finlayson, Delva, & Ismail, 2007), 9 times the rate of depression in the general U.S. population (6.7%; NIMH, 2014). A recent study that tested a theoretical model of depression in Black single mothers has shed light on antecedent variables that explain depression in this population (Atkins, 2015). Although research suggested that depression has negative psychosocial and physical health consequences for multiracial samples of single mothers and their children (Boyd, Zayas, & McKee, 2006; Jackson, Bentler, & Franke, 2008), few studies have examined specific health and psychosocial outcomes of depression in Black single mothers.…”