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ABSTRACT
There is a paucity of research on depression and lesbian women. This is surprising given that large numbers of women experience depressive episodes and lesbian women in particular face an increased number of stressors related to their sexual orientation. This study explored how social support from family, social support from friends, relationship involvement, and sexual orientation disclosure related to and predicted depression for a sample of lesbian women. Information from 117 questionnaires was compiled from self-identified lesbians recruited through various lesbian-positive groups and snowball sampling. Results indicated significantly lower depression rates for women who were in a relationship and moderate negative correlations between depression and social support from family, social support from friends, and sexual orientation disclosure. Standard multiple regression analysis showed that 38% of the variability in depression scores was predicted by knowing the scores on the four independent variables. These results suggest that each of the independent variables has a significant effect on level of depression for lesbian women in the sample.
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Jessica Ayala
Jessica Ayala obtained an MSW degree from the University of Calgary in 1998 and is currently Assistant Coordinator of the Women's Center of Calgary. She also works with immigrant women and families around settlement and related issues. Her research interests include lesbian and gay mental health, lesbian and gay families, and immigrant women.
Heather Coleman
Heather Coleman, PhD, is Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. Her research interests include human sexuality, gender issues, family violence and addictions.
