Prediction of depressive distress in a community sample of women: the role of sexual orientation.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared factors known or hypothesized to influence depressive symptomatology in a community sample of lesbians and heterosexual women.


METHODS
Data were collected in a multisite survey of lesbians' physical and mental health.


RESULTS
Findings confirmed earlier reports suggesting that traumatic life events such as physical and sexual abuse, and individual traits and coping styles are risk factors for depressive distress. However, findings of higher rates of suicidal behavior and of several risk factors for depressive distress among lesbians suggest that risk for depression may differ among lesbians and heterosexual women.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual orientation may represent an important but poorly understood risk factor for depressive distress as well as suicidal ideation and behavior.
Matthews
Alicia K
AK
Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Amatthew@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Hughes
Tonda L
TL
Johnson
Timothy
T
Razzano
Lisa A
LA
Cassidy
Roberta
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology