Coping with Depression in Single Black Mothers.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited research exists on coping mechanisms employed by Black women experiencing depression.
• Depression symptoms significantly impact mental well-being and daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the coping strategies of 208 community-residing Black single mothers (aged 18-45) when experiencing depressive symptoms.
• To categorize self-reported coping responses using the Ways of Coping Checklist framework.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study utilizing an open-ended question to gather qualitative data on coping behaviors.
• Responses were categorized into coping scales and profiles based on theoretical frameworks.
• Frequency analysis and percentages were used to quantify coping strategies.

Main Results:

• The majority of responses (63%) fell into the Escape-Avoidance coping category.
• Seeking Social Support (18.3%) and Positive Reappraisal (12.2%) were the next most frequent strategies.
• No participants reported seeking professional mental health help; most relied on emotion-focused coping.

Conclusions:

• Black single mothers predominantly utilize emotion-focused coping, particularly escape-avoidance, when facing depressive symptoms.
• There is a significant need for culturally sensitive interventions and increased access to professional mental health services for this population.
• Findings inform nursing practice, cultural theory, and future research directions in women's mental health.