Psychosocial Risk Factors for Depression Among Married Muslim Mothers in Malaysia

AbstractAlthough many previous studies have examined factors associated with depression, there has been a lack of studies examining the role of external shame and lack of emotion regulation. Therefore, the present study examined these potential risk factors alongside other risk factors in a group that may be more prone to depression (i.e., married Muslim mothers). Married Muslim mothers (n = 971) residing in the urban area of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) were surveyed. Using various psychometric instruments, the survey assessed psychiatric problems (including depression), insecure attachment styles, external shame, severe life events, emotional regulation, and vulnerable factors for d epression. Results indicated that married Muslim mothers were more vulnerable to depression if they had high external shame, less cognitive reappraisal, had at least one severe life event, had low income, and were unemployed. External shame was the most significant risk factor for depression. In fut ure studies and psychotherapy practice, external shame, cognitive reappraisal, severe life events, low income, and unemployment should be taken into account with regard to depression among this cohort.
Source: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - Category: Addiction Source Type: research