Depression among Women in the Ketu-South Municipality: Counselling Implications

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of family stressors on depression among women in the Ketu-South Municipality. The study used the descriptive sample survey design through the quantitative approach. The census method was used to select a sample of 70 women for the study. The Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes (FILE) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II) were used to collect data for the study. The data gathered were analyzed using means, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient, and Linear Multiple Regression. The study revealed that the prominent family stressor among the women experiencing depression in the Ketu-South Municipality is losses (overall mean of 4.22). The study further revealed that age significantly contributes to depression among women although its contribution is weak (R=.366, p=.049). However, marital status does not contribute to depression among women. In addition, the study revealed that family stressors significantly contribute to depression among women (R=.749, p=.039) with losses being the best contributor to depression (Beta=2.123, p=.037). The study also revealed that occupational status (R= -.627, p=.020) and monthly income (r= -.501, p=.014) made significant contributions to depression in women. However, educational status does not contribute to depression in women. The study recommended that family stressors should be controlled among women living with depression by the government and non-governmental agencies.