Psychological distress among inner-city american elderly: Structural, developmental, and situational contexts

Abstract

This analysis explores the prevalence of psychological distress and the factors associated with its occurrence among 200 inner-city residents, 65% of whom are African Americans. Comparisons by gender and race find that women and African Americans are less likely to be distressed. Distress, however, is significantly associated with poorer health and fewer social and economic resources. A model depicting pathways to distress is used in a case study analysis of the most distressed respondents. It illustrates how the developmental vulnerabilities in childhood, limited opportunities in adulthood, and the provoking agents in their current lives interact and undermine well-being. This paper raises the proposition that a levelling process may occur in later life when these factors converge and result in distress irrespective of cultural differences.

Gender Differences in Depressive Symptoms of Aging Chinese in Urban Jiangsu in China

“…This finding points to the fact that the gender difference could actually be reflective of the effects of other sociodemographic factors on mental health. These significant correlates identified to be the actual factors affecting the number of depressive symptoms are largely related to the sociostructural factors tied to social and financial resources, a finding consistent with previous research (Flynn & Cappeliez, 1993;Johnson & Johnson, 1992;Woody & Green, 2001).…”

Ethnicity-related Stress, Mental Health, and Well-being

“…In contrast, Johnson and Johnson (1992) demonstrated African Americans were less likely to be distressed when compared with other inner-city residents of varying races. Along similar lines, McNulty, Graham, Ben-Porath, and Stein (1997) did not find significant differences in depression or anxiety scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2 between African Americans and Caucasians.…”

Masculinity across the life span: Implications for older men.

“…Cornwell and Waite (2009) pointed out that diminishing support networks are not necessarily problematic; some older adults have smaller circles of social support but have stronger bonds within these groups. However, for some older adults, shrinking networks of social support can create feelings of distress (Johnson & Johnson, 1992;Matt & Dean, 1993). Reasons for this vary and may be consequences of retirement, moving, shifting family situations, financial stress, illness, or even death.…”