Self-reported health status and depression of battered black women.

This study examined the influence of psychological factors and personal characteristics on depression and health outcomes of battered Black women. Much of the existing research on violence against women by intimate partners has focused on prevalence and response to abuse. However, the problem of battering among Black women as a group has been neglected, especially as it impacts health and causes health-related problems. Secondary analysis was used in this study to look at health-related problems and battering. The sample consisted of 128 battered Black women who participated in interviews, and completed the Beck Depression Index, Health Response Scale, Daily Hassles Scale, and Index of Spouse Abuse. Study outcomes indicated a positive relationship between depression and gastrointestinal upsets. Further study with a larger group of women is needed to validate findings.