Racial differences in the multiple social roles of older women: Implications for depressive symptoms

The relationship between multiple role participation and depressive symptom s experienced by African American (n = 547) and White (n = 2,152) women age d 55-61 was explored. Data were obtained from the Health and Retirement Stu dy (HRS). Racial differences in the social roles of marriage, employment, g randmother, care provider, and volunteer and their influence on level of de pressive symptoms were examined. African Americans reported higher levels o f depressive symptoms than Whites. Additionally, marriage, employment, and total number of social roles were the most powerful predictors of depressiv e symptoms for both African American and White women. However, employment w as more important in diminishing depressive symptoms among African American than White women occupying multiple social roles.