Ethnoracial Variation in Depression Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: While there is a long-standing tradition of research on the predictors of depression among women exposed to violence, little of this research has been conducted across ethnic and racial groups. Method: A cross-sectional study comparing a total of 191 women with a history of intimate partner violence were recruited from commercial, medical, and educational settings and by contact with agencies serving the needs of abused women, for example, shelters, community outreach. The study examined intimate partner violence and the adjustment of mothers of children ages 5 to 12 to explore both commonalities and differences in the ways in which four groups of women (African American, Biracial, Latina, and White women) cope with violence in their lives. In addition to demographic information, depression symptoms were assessed by self-report with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Results: The findings indicate that Latina women had significantly higher depression symptoms than did African American and White women. Conclusion: While it is important to assess the mental health needs of all abused women, these results show additional need for Latina women, those with low income and high violence exposure.