DEPRESSION, DEPRESSIVE COGNITIONS, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CAREGIVING GRANDMOTHERS: A GROWTH CURVE MODEL

Abstract

Abstract Grandmothers caring for grandchildren have elevated levels of depressive symptoms compared to grandmothers who do not provide care. Depressive symptoms are state-like in nature and describe recent depressive symptoms. The Depressive Cognition Scale© captures changes in negative thinking patterns that often precede depressive symptoms. Depressive cognitions, according to Beck’s theory of depression, are the first depressive symptoms to appear and typically lead to more serious symptoms of depression. Specifically, depressive cognitions reflect negative thinking patterns. Previously diagnosed depression may contribute to current levels of depressive cognitions and depressive symptoms. Data were collected on 342 participants in a longitudinal nationwide online research study of caregiving grandmothers. A latent growth curve model was used to track the trajectory of depressive symptoms at four time points (baseline, 2 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). This latent growth curve model was tested to gain an understanding of how diagnosed depression and depressive cognitions impact the trajectory of depressive symptoms over time. The model fit the data well (Chi Square=24.301.; df=12; p=.019; TLI=.977; CFI=.987; RMSEA=.055). Baseline depressive cognitions strongly impacted the intercept (Standardized Beta=.65, p<.001) and the slope of depressive symptoms (Standardized Beta=-.65, p<.001), diagnosed depression predicted depressive cognitions (Standardized Beta =.32, p<.001) and the intercept of depressive symptoms (Standardized Beta=.36, p<.001). The continued impact of diagnosed depression and depressive cognitions over 24 weeks indicates the need for potential interventions to further address diagnosed depression and depressive cognitions as a way to decrease depressive symptoms in grandmother caregivers.