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The present study looks at the levels of social support in a sample of African immigrants living in Ireland and its relationship to their levels of depression, it suggests lower levels of social support will result in higher levels of depression. The questionnaire involves two existing psychological measures: the Duke Social Support Scale, and the Beck Depression Scale. The researcher approached participants at various African centres, places of work or recreation. No demographic information was included on the questionnaire, except name and address, if desired, to receive a copy of the results. The participants are 71 African immigrants (N=71), male and female, who have arrived in Ireland from a variety of African countries in the past five years. The participant's received either an English, or French, version of the questionnaire to be completed there and then, collected afterwards, or posted back. Statistical comparison using a bivariate correlation Pearson's r indicates the predicted negative correlation (r = -.510, p < .01). Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2tailed). The results support the notion that this population is at risk for suffering from depression if lacking in sufficient social support. Closing suggestions include promoting cultural awareness for professionals in dealing with such marginalised populations.
