Abstract
Although high socioeconomic status (SES) is traditionally conceptualized as a health protective factor, recent literature has documented positive associations between SES (e.g., income) and depression among Blacks, including Black youth. To extend the results of this recent literature, the current study used the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) data to examine the multiplicative effects of gender, place, and SES on average depressive symptoms of Black youth over a long period of time. FACHS, 1997–2017, followed 889 Black children aged 10–12 years old for up to 18 years. Depressive symptoms were measured in seven waves. The main predictors of interest were two SES indicators, parent education and family income measured at baseline (1997). Main outcome of interest was average depressive symptoms over the 18 year follow up period. Place of residence and gender were the focal moderators. Linear regression models were used for data analysis. In the pooled sample, living in a predominantly White area was associated with higher average depressive symptoms over time, however, this association was fully explained by higher perceived racial discrimination in the predominantly White areas. We found an interaction between income and place of residence on average depressive symptoms, suggesting that higher income is associated with more depressive symptoms in predominantly White compared to predominantly Black areas. Place did not interact with parent education on average depressive symptoms. Gender also did not interact with education or income on depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that place and SES may interact on depressive symptoms of Black youth, with high income becoming a risk factor for depressive symptoms in predominantly White areas. How SES indicators, such as income, protect or become a risk factor depend on other contextual factors, such as place of residence. There is a need to reduce discrimination experienced by Blacks, especially in predominantly White areas. Meanwhile, Black youth who live in predominantly White areas may require additional help that enhances their coping.
Highlights
The mainstream literature has traditionally conceptualized socioeconomic status (SES) indicators as protective factors [1]
Written assent was received from all participants through age 18 (Wave 4)
Informed consent was received from youth above age 18 and their parents or caregivers who participated in the study
Summary
The mainstream literature has traditionally conceptualized socioeconomic status (SES) indicators as protective factors [1]. According to multiple disadvantage [24], cumulative disadvantage [25], double jeopardy [26], triple jeopardy [27], and multiple jeopardy [28] theories, SES is expected to generate more health gain for the racial and ethnic minority populations such as Blacks, as they are at a vulnerability status These frameworks are suggestive of stronger effects of low SES among Blacks and other ethnic minority groups [28]. A second explanation is that social, psychological, and physiological costs of upward social mobility are higher for Blacks compared to Whites [41] This view is supported by a few studies that have documented weaker links between education attainment and health in Black compared to. Ethnic density is one of the major factors that shapes PRD and depression for minorities including Blacks [49,54,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
