The moderating effects of coping strategies on major depression in the general population

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Objectives To evaluate the moderating effects of various coping strategies on the association between stressors and the prevalence of major depression in the general population. Methods Subjects from the Alberta buy-in component of the 1994 -1995 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) were included in the analysis (n = 1039). Each subject was asked 8 questions about coping strategies that dealt with unexpected stress from family problems and personal crises. Major depression was measured using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF) for major depression. The impacts of coping strategies in relation to psychological stressors on the prevalence of major depression were determined by examining interactions between coping and life stress on major depression using logistic regression modelling. Results No robust impact of coping strategies in relation to various categories of stress evaluated in the NPHS was observed. There was evidence that the use of “pray and seek religious help” and “talks to others about the situations” as coping strategies by women moderated the risk of major depression in the presence of financial stress and relationship stress (with a partner). Using emotional expression as a coping strategy by women might decrease the risk of major depression in the presence of 1 or more recent life events, personal stress, relationship stress (with a partner), and environmental stress. Conclusion Different coping strategies may have a differential impact on the prevalence of major depression in specific circumstances. These findings may be important both to prevent and to treat depressive disorders.