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Depression in Nigerian and American students
1Psychology Program, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona 08240-0195, USA.
Psychological Reports
|June 1, 1995
Summary
American and Nigerian Muslim Yoruban students reported similar depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory. Minor differences in item responses did not reveal a distinct pattern, suggesting cross-cultural consistency in depression assessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-cultural studies
- Mental health assessment
Background:
- Depression is a significant mental health concern globally.
- Cross-cultural validity of psychological assessments is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used depression screening tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare depression scores between American college students and Muslim Yoruban students in Nigeria.
- To investigate potential cultural variations in responding to the Beck Depression Inventory.
Main Methods:
- The study administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to 112 American college students and 180 Muslim Yoruban students.
- Scores on the BDI were statistically compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Both groups achieved comparable overall scores on the Beck Depression Inventory.
- While differences were noted in responses to seven specific items, no consistent pattern of cultural divergence was identified.
Conclusions:
- The Beck Depression Inventory demonstrates a degree of cross-cultural applicability between American and Nigerian Muslim Yoruban student populations.
- Overall depression symptom reporting appears consistent across these diverse cultural groups, despite minor item-level variations.