Self-Esteem Mediates the Relationship Between Volunteering and Depression for African American Caregivers

Abstract

Research on the influence of volunteering on mental health outcomes has not placed enough focus on African American female caregivers who are at risk for adverse outcomes such as depression. This study addresses this gap by examining the mechanism through which volunteering might influence depressive symptoms using data collected from 521 African American female caregivers of older adults. Regression results indicate that although volunteering is inversely associated with depressive symptoms, self-esteem mediates this relationship. Findings suggest inclusion in volunteering for African American female caregivers may be relevant to promotion of their mental well-being.

Keywords:

• African American caregivers
• volunteering
• self-esteem
• depression
• mediating model

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant R01 AG 15962 from the National Institute on Aging and the Office of Research on Women's Health. We thank Dr. Letha Chadiha, the primary investigator on the original study, her research team, and all of the study participants who took the time to contribute to the study.