Functional Limitations and Changes in Levels of Depression among Older Adults: A Multiple-hierarchy Stratification Perspective

Objectives. This study examined the effects of functional limitations on changes in levels of depression over time. A multiple-hierarchy stratification perspective framed the analyses of potential stratification-based contingencies of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Methods. We derived data from a longitudinal study of adults aged 65 and older in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area over a 3-year period (2001–2003). We used ordinary least squares regression models in order to assess the focal associations across a set of social status interaction terms. Results. Changes in functional limitations were associated with changes in depression, but the patterns depended on interactions among race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Discussion. These observations contribute to research by blending ideas from double and triple jeopardy and dif-ferential vulnerability perspectives. Although analyses of multiple contingencies create analytical challenges, this complexity is needed to accurately specify the mental health effects of functional limitations. T HE stress process perspective identifies limitations in activ-ities of daily living as among the most pernicious stress-ors in late life (Pearlin & Skaff, 1996). Levels of functional limitations are higher among older age groups (Long & Pavalko, 2004) and are associated positively with depressio