Health, Disability, Psychological Well-Being, and Depressive Symptoms among Older African American Women

This study examines the demographic correlates of psychological well-being (i.e., happiness and life satisfaction) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and serious psychological distress) among older African American women. Additionally, the relationships between self-rated physical and oral health and disability and psychological well-being and mental health are explored. Analyses are based on a nationally representative sample of older African American women from the National Survey of American Life. Results indicate that psychological well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and happiness) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and serious psychological distress) are associated with specific demographic factors. In addition, self-rated health and limited mobility due to disability exerted significant influences on psychological well-being, depressive symptoms, and psychological distress. Findings are discussed in relation to prior research on demographic and health factors and their unique associations with well-being and mental status among older African American women.