SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER AFRICAN-AMERICANS - AN ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES

Using data from a community-based sample of African-Americans, this study investigated the association between gender and depressive symptoms among 148 African-Americans who are 65 years of age and older. Findings indicated no gender difference in overall level of depressive symptomatology. Further analyses suggest that the lack of a gender difference in depressive symptoms was attributable to similarities in risk factors related to stressful life events and the social roles associated with employment and childrearing.