1. Revisiting the Black-White Mental Health Paradox During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
- Author
-
LaMotte ME, Elliott M, and Mouzon DM
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Black or African American psychology, White psychology, Mental Health, Pandemics, COVID-19
- Abstract
Black Americans have lower rates of depression and anxiety than Whites, despite greater exposure to stressors known to negatively impact mental health, characterized as the Black-White mental health paradox. This study revisited the paradox during the coronavirus pandemic. Drawing on stress process theory, minority stress theory, and the rejection-identification model of discrimination, in-group identity, and well-being, we analyzed original survey data from a quota sample of African American and White adults (N = 594). The survey included a range of stressors and coping resources, including those relevant to the pandemic (e.g., COVID-19 illness) and race (e.g., witnessing anti-Black police violence). Results indicate that despite African Americans' greater exposure and vulnerability to racial discrimination, the Black-White mental health paradox holds, owing in part to protective effects of African American's higher self-esteem. Directions for future exploration of the paradox are presented based on this study's findings., (© 2022. W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute.)
- Published
- 2023
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