Economic Distress, Social Support, and Depression In Turkey

Abstract Using data from a sample of 1100 married couples residing in urban Turkey, we examine the effects of economic hardship, household economic strain, and social support on depressive symptoms. Since previous literature showed gender differences in these relationships, the analysis is conducted separately on husbands and wives. Controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, we find that job loss is associated with higher depressive symptoms as measured by a modified CES-D index of depression, the effects of which are largely mediated by the resulting economic strain on the household. Contrary to much of the previous literature showing social support to promote better mental health outcomes, we found that the effect of financial and in-kind support depends the amount received relative to need. Those men receiving insufficient support have significantly higher CES-D scores, even higher than those not receiving any support when needed. There is no significant association between receipt of financial support and female CES-D scores. For both men and women, receipt of in-kind support is associated with significantly higher CES-D scores. The results are discussed in light of previous literature linking economic distress, social support and mental health outcomes