Depression of married women: Exploring the role of employment status, marital satisfaction and psychological well-being

This study was carried out to explore the level of depression among married women. Additionally, the role of employment status, academic qualification, marital satisfaction and psychological well-being on depression was examined. Depression, marital satisfaction and psychological well-being of 200 married women were assessed. Results showed 15% of the study participants scored above the cut-off point of depression and are at the risk of depression. Employment and academic status, marital satisfaction and psychological wellbeing (GHQ-28) jointly accounted for 56.2% variability in the depression with psychological well-being (β = 0.515, p < 0.001) and marital satisfaction (β = –0.276, p < 0.001) appeared as the most influential predictors. Lower education and unemployment also associated with the higher level of depression. The model indicated if a married woman with poorer psychological well-being, lower marital satisfaction and lower educational qualification is unemployed, she is more likely to be diagnosed as depressed. Implications and future direction are discussed. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 25(2): 113-121, 2016 (July)