Concepts and Causation of Depression: A Cross-Cultural Study of the Beliefs of Older Adults

Vanessa C. Lawrence · Joanna Murray · Sube Banerjee · Kuljeet Sangha · Richard Byng · Dinesh Bhugra +2 more

101 citations0/0 files storedThe Gerontologist

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Mental Health Treatment and Access Aging, Health, and Disability Health and Well-being Studies

Abstract

PURPOSE: This U.K. study explored how older adults with depression (treated and untreated) and the general older population conceptualize depression. A multicultural approach was used that incorporated the perspectives of Black Caribbean, South Asian, and White British older adults. The study sought to explore and compare beliefs about the nature and causes of depression, and to suggest ways in which these beliefs act to facilitate or deter older people from accessing treatment. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and ten in-depth separate interviews were conducted for 45 White British, 33 South Asian, and 32 Black Caribbean individuals. The interviews explored what the word depression meant to participants, and their beliefs regarding depression's causes. RESULTS: Depression was often viewed as an illness arising from adverse personal and social circumstances that accrue in old age. White British and Black Caribbean participants defined depression in terms of low mood and hopelessness; South Asian and Black Caribbean participants frequently defined depression in terms of worry. Those receiving antidepressants were more likely to acknowledge psychological symptoms of depression. Differences in attribution were found between the ethnic groups. IMPLICATIONS: A social model of depression is closer to the beliefs of older people than the traditional medical model. Culturally appropriate inquiries about recent life events could be used to facilitate discussion about depression. Our data suggest that many older adults would respond to probing by primary care physicians about their mood. Health and social care professionals need to be sensitive to the language of depression used by different ethnic groups.

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References

1983The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale 1982Mental Illness in the Community: The Pathway to Psychiatric Care.1981MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE COMMUNITY: THE PATHWAY TO PSYCHIATRIC CARE 2004Cultural differences in conceptual models of depression 1999Religious and ethnic group influences on beliefs about mental illness: A qualitative interview study 1982Race, culture, and mental disorder 1990Completed Suicide at Age 50 and Over 1997The Defeat Depression Campaign: psychiatry in the public arena

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