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Learning Objective 1: Based on the results, the learner will be able to explain how psychosocial and culturally relevant variables contribute to depression in Black single mothers.
Learning Objective 2: Based on the results,the leaner will be able to design nursing interventions specific for counseling Black single mothers with depression.
The purpose of this study was to develop and test a theory of depression via causal
modeling. The resultant over-identified causal model included the exogenous variables of
perceived racism and perceived stress and the endogenous variables of anger, self-esteem, and
depression. This research also tested the direct and indirect effects of ten hypothesized
relationships according to the pattern of causation specified in the model.
The final sample consisted of 208 Black single mothers in the community, aged 18 to 45,
who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study. The participants responded to The
Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, The
Perceived Stress Scale, The Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and The
Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire Community Version Brief.
The over-identified recursive causal model was tested using the LISREL 9.1
computer program. Maximum likelihood chi-square estimation was used to determine the
overall fit of the model with the data, along with a variety of fit indices. Beta and gamma path
coefficients were examined for their direct and indirect effects for ten hypothesized relationships.
The findings indicated that there was an excellent fit of the hypothesized model with
the data (X2(1, N = 208) = .05, p = .82). The chi-square was not statistically significant and the
probability was large. The fit indices for the model were excellent. Beta and Gamma path
coefficients were statistically significant for 9 out of 10 hypothesized relationships within the
model (p < .001 to p <.05). The relationship between self-esteem and depression was not
supported (p > .05). Future studies should examine theoretical outcomes of depression in Black
single mothers and interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of depression in Black single
mothers. Implications for nursing are addressed.