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Depression and Behavioral Manifestations of Depression in Female Survivors of the Suicide of their Significant Other and Female Survivors of Abuse

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

L. Kathleen Sekula, RN, PhD

Duquesne University School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, PA

Jeanne Lebish, RN, NP, MSN

Magee Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

Elizabeth Buehner, RN, NP, MSN

Allegheny Valley Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed and persistent psychiatric disorders among women. Women survivors of the suicide of their significant other and women survivors of abuse appear to be two groups who might likely experience depression. However, little research has been done to identify the psychological implications of both situations.

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to compare psychological implications, specifically depression and behavioral manifestations of depression, among female survivors of the suicide of their significant other and female survivors of abuse.

STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cohort design was used. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure the presence and behavioral manifestations of depression.

RESULTS: The two groups of women did not differ in their overall level of depression. Both groups were moderately to severely depressed. Differences on three BDI items were found: sadness, irritability, and social withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS: Researchers have only just begun to explore and report information with respect to women’s health in relation to abuse and bereavement. The presence of depression and behavioral manifestations of depression in these two groups of women (survivors of the suicide of their significant other and survivors of abuse) needs to be examined further. Subsequently, psychiatric mental-health interventions may be developed that will impact the outcomes for both groups.

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Vol. 8, No. 1, 27-32 (2002)
DOI: 10.1067/mpn.2002.122760


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