Economic Distress, Social Support, and Depression in Turkey

• In Event: 054 - Section on the Sociology of the Family Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 20. Work and Family Decisions

Abstract

Using data from a nationally representative sample of married couples residing in urban Turkey (n=1100), we explore the relationship between economic hardship (as measured by job loss and unemployment duration), household economic strain, financial and in-kind forms of social support and depressive symptoms (base on CES-D scores). Since previous literature showed gender differences in these relationships, the analysis is conducted separately on husbands and wives. Controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, we find a positive association between economic hardship and CES-D scores that is largely mediated by the resulting economic strain on the household. Contrary to much of the previous literature showing social support to promote better mental health outcomes, we found that financial and in-kind support in the context of economic hardship, to have worse outcomes. Those not receiving support when needed or receiving insufficient support have higher CES-D scores. Gender differences appear to be minor, mostly related to the effects of social support on levels on CES-D scores. Tests of the likelihood of depression using recommended CES-D thresholds show that members of households under economic strain and not receiving support when needed or receiving insufficient support were more likely to be depressed. The unemployment duration of the husband was associated with a greater likelihood of wives being depressed, but not husbands. The results are discussed in light of previous literature linking economic distress, social support and mental health outcomes.

Authors

• Ayse Yetis Bayraktar, Bogazici University

• Isik Aytac, Bogazici University

• Bruce Rankin, Koc University