The effects of selected socio-demographic variables on depression and resilience in a sample of socio-economically disadvantaged women in Doornkop, Soweto

M.Sc. (Research Psychology)Mental health is known to be adversely affected by gender inequality and poverty. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that psychological disorders affect half the global population (WHO, 2010) and South African estimates posited that 16.5% of the population presented with common mental disorders in 2007 (Williams et al., 2008). Depression and anxiety disorders in women, specifically, are posing a major public health concern in developing countries due to inadequate treatment (Aidoo & Harpham, 2001). Protective factors, namely intrapersonal, interpersonal, community and cultural factors, were identified by Ungar (2008) as a mechanism that promotes resilience and alleviates the effects of adversity. In order to develop knowledge geared toward intervention strategies to promote mental health in socio-economically disadvantaged women in urban communities, this study employed an explanatory mixed methods research design (which included both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews) to establish an incidence of depressive symptoms, and levels of ego-resilience, among women in Doornkop, Soweto. This was done in order to explore, first, the relationships between selected socio-demographic variables and depression and ego-resilience, and second, to investigate if there was a relationship between depression and ego-resilience. Finally, the study aimed to gain an understanding of how women perceived the role of protective resources in their lives which might promote positive mental health outcomes. The statistical component of the study found a weak negative correlation between the two constructs of depression and ego-resilience. Symptoms of depression appeared to be related by exposure to a high number of difficult life experiences, and particularly in instances of having been a victim of crime or violence. While ego-resilience seemed to be related to increased participation in community groups, it also correlated with adversity, namely, unemployment. This led the researcher to the conclusion that for this sample, depression and ego-resilience were independent constructs, and although they were divergent concepts, both were shaped by exposure to adversity. The interview data further explored exogenous sources of resilience as set out by Ungar (2008). These findings highlighted the importance of interpersonal relations on feelings of well-being. While the protective factors varied in the sources from which they arose (from children, romantic partners, parents, peers and community groups to music and television, and faith in God), they all provided a sense of purpose, belonging and self -worth, which enabled positive feelings. The main recommendation that arose from the research was the need for community education about mental illness, the services available to communities, and the importance of developing and maintaining family and community systems of support. These measures may go some way toward enhancing resilience in women and reducing vulnerability to mental disorders arising from experiences of adversity. Furthermore, a focus on community-based interventions, such as education and life skills, is vital in shifting the focus of interventions from mental illness to the promotion of mental health. Ongoing research is fundamental to developing our existing knowledge of both psychopathology and the promotion of mental well-being in women in socio-economically deprived communities. Research, in light of the challenges facing community mental health services in poor areas, could include foci on the beliefs of professionals including the knowledge and skills required to deliver effective mental health services. Knowledge of this nature should serve to enhance our understanding of the complexities of mental health and inform the development of innovative and appropriate treatment modalities that are oriented to the particular needs of women in resource-poor communities