Psychosocial Factors Associated with Depression: A Study of Socially Disadvantaged Women with Young Children

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Abstract
This study aims to use valid measures to a) estimate the prevalence of depressive disorder and b) identify psychosocial factors associated with depression in a sample of socially disadvantaged women with children. One hundred ninety-three women, recruited through a doorknock of public housing estates completed an interview that included the Diagnostic Interview Schedule to identify cases of depression and the Mannheim Interview for Social Support. The women also completed self-report questionnaires assessing psychological morbidity, life events, perceptions of intimate relationships, and personality factors. The 6-month prevalence of major depression was 17% and the lifetime prevalence 29%. Major depression was associated with perceptions of low parental care during childhood and low care from current partner, vulnerable personality style, increased reporting of life events, and an unsatisfactory social support network.