Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
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The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 63:S320-S327 (2008)
© 2008 The Gerontological Society of America

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Racial Differences in Arthritis-Related Stress, Chronic Life Stress, and Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Arthritis: A Contextual Perspective

Jessica M. McIlvane, Tamara A. Baker and Chivon A. Mingo

School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.

Address correspondence to Jessica M. McIlvane, PhD, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, MHC1318, Tampa, FL 33620. E-mail: mcilvane{at}cas.usf.edu

Objectives. This study examined the effects of arthritis-related stress and chronic life stress on depressive symptoms among African Americans and Whites with arthritis.

Methods. Participants included 175 African American and White women (aged 45–90) who completed structured questionnaires assessing arthritis-related stress (i.e., pain, functional impairment, perceived stress), chronic life stress (i.e., discrimination, financial stress, life stressors), and well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms).

Results. African Americans reported more functional impairment and lower perceived arthritis stress, but more life stressors, financial stress, and discrimination, than Whites. Arthritis-related stress accounted for similar proportions of variance in depressive symptoms across African Americans ({Delta}R2 =.16, p <.001) and Whites ({Delta}R2 =.24, p <.001). However, chronic life stressors explained significantly more variance among African Americans ({Delta}R2 =.20, p <.001, vs {Delta}R2 =.06, p <.05).

Discussion. Findings demonstrate the importance of considering contextual factors influencing women's health and well-being, particularly for those women with a chronic illness, including arthritis. Although arthritis-related stressors may be the predominant factors affecting well-being for Whites with arthritis, well-being in African Americans with arthritis is also closely tied to broader life stressors. Results suggest the importance of looking beyond illness-specific stressors when studying aging and health.

Key Words: Arthritis-related Stress • Chronic Life Stress • Racial Differences • Depressive Symptoms






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