Mental disorders are estimated to be experienced by one out of three South Africans in their
lifetime. (Stein, Seedat, Herman, Moomal, Heeringa, Kessler & Williams, 2009:3). Empirical
studies indicate, that people, who are poor, live in impoverished neighbourhoods, have lower
education levels and are subsequently more likely to have mental disorders. This study focuses on
depression. Empirical studies point to depression being negatively correlated with socioeconomic
determinants, but is this the case in South Africa?
From a theoretical standpoint the study considers how socio-structural aspects such as poverty and
educational outcomes (amongst other socioeconomic variables) can lead to the prevalence and
persistence of depressive symptoms. The main question the study aimed to investigate was whether
depression was negatively related to socioeconomic status, and through which pathways does
socioeconomic status affect depression.
This study used panel data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) to examine the
socioeconomic determinants of depressive symptoms. Waves 1 (2008) and 4 (2014/2015) of the
NIDS data were used to answer the research question. Depressive symptoms were assessed using
the 10-item version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The
scale measured depressive symptomatology. The cut off that was used was a score of 10 or higher,
which indicated the occurrence of significant depressive symptoms. In order to assess which
socioeconomic determinants increase the probability of experiencing significant depressive
symptoms, a probit model was used to make this investigation.
The results of the study indicate that, despite the recent increase in depression in 2012 and
2014/2015, the overall prevalence of depression in South Africa has declined significantly between
2008 and 2014/2015. Socioeconomic status was found to be negatively associated with depression.
In particular, a low income and occupational status were associated with a significantly greater
probability of being depressed. Disparities in depression outcomes followed the disparities in
socioeconomic status. Hence the study found that women and Africans were particularly
vulnerable to depression as they were socioeconomically disadvantaged.