Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Women of minority backgrounds, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status, are vulnerable to a whole host of social and health related problems such as increased rates of depression, incarceration, sexual assault, and premature death. With such vulnerabilities, these women are at increased risk for developing internalizing disorders (i.e., depression and anxiety) and externalizing disorders (i.e., substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder), compared to women of higher socioeconomic status. The purpose of the present research was to examine factors that are predictive of the development of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology in minority women in an effort to construct a comprehensive model of psychopathology in minority women. The present study used archival data that were collected in four samples of inner city women in New York City. A correlational design, using both logistic regression and multiple regression, was used to examine predictors of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. It was predicted that childhood or adolescence internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, trauma and abuse, and family history of psychiatric problems and substance abuse would predict the presence of these disorders in adulthood. It was also predicted that ethnicity and a history of treatment for these disorders in childhood or adolescence would moderate the relationship between the predictors and current diagnosis. Results of this study partly supported the hypotheses. Current internalizing disorder was predicted by the presence of childhood or adolescent internalizing disorder, trauma and physical/emotional abuse. Current externalizing disorder was predicted by early onset internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, trauma, and family history of psychiatric problems and substance abuse. Ethnicity and childhood or adolescent treatment were not significant predictors or moderators. Measurement issues and other limitations of the data are discussed. Results of this study will help increase knowledge of the factors that contribute to the development of psychopathology in this under-researched group.
Recommended Citation
Gonzalez, Antonio, "Factors Predicting Internalizing And Externalizing Psychopathology In A Sample Of Inner City Minority Women" (2013). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1392.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1392