SELF-ESTEEM AS A DETERMINANT OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the role of self esteem to cause depression in women with chronic illness.

Sample: 200 women diagnosed with Arthritis (n=50), Cancer (n=50), Heart Disease (n=50) and Diabetes(n=50) between ages of 30 years to 60 years with the mean age of 48 years selected from outdoor patient’s clinics of public/ private hospitals and clinics situated in different areas of Karachi were assessed.

Procedure: Personal Information Form, The Patient-Health Questionnaire (Spitzer, Kroenke & Williams, 1999), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), were administered to test the hypothesis “Self-esteem would be a predictor of depression in women with chronic illness”.

Statistical Analysis: After completion of the standard procedures of the scoring of the respective scales the data was statistically analyzed by using the SPSS (version 21). Descriptive statistics was used to explain the characteristics of sample and Linear Regression analysis was used to find the causal effect of self esteem on depression in this sample.

Results: Findings of the study indicated self-esteem as a significant predictor/ determinant (R=.480, p<.01) of depression in this population.

Conclusion: These illness have a devastating effects not only on the physical health but also have a very strong negative influence on the psychological health of women in Pakistan.