Abstract
Objectives:
To evaluate the moderating effects of various coping strategies on the as sociation between stressors and the prevalence of major depression in the general population.
Methods:
Subjects from the Alberta buy- incomponent of the 1994 –1995 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) were included in the analysis (n = 1039). Each subject was asked 8 questions about coping strategies that dealt with unexpected stress from family problems and personal crises. Major depression was measured using the World Health Organization's (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI- SF) for major depression. The im pacts of coping strategies in relation to psychological stres sors on the prevalence of major depression were de ter mined by examining interactions between coping and life stress on major depression using logistic regression modelling.
Results:
No robust impact of coping strategies in relation to various categories of stress evaluated in the NPHS was observed. There was evidence that the use of “pray and seek religious help” and “talks to others about the situations” as coping strategies by women moderated the risk of major depression in the presence of financial stress and relation ship stress (with a partner). Using emotional expression as a coping strategy by women might de crease the risk of major depression in the presence of 1 or more re cent life events, personal stress, relationship stress (with a partner), and environmental stress.
Conclusion:
Different coping strategies may have a differential impact on the prevalence of major depression in specific circumstances. These findings may be important both to prevent and to treat depressive disorders.