Pan-African identity, psychological well-being, and mental health among African Americans

Abstract

ABSTRACT Studies show that racial and ethnic identity can significantly improve mental health and well-being among marginalized ethnoracial groups who experience racism and discrimination. However, the relationships between Pan-African identity, psychological well-being, and mental health have received less attention. Using a national sample of African American adults, I examine whether Pan-African identity impacts psychological well-being and self-rated mental health. The results show that respondents who feel closer towards members of the African diaspora and Black people in Africa and prefer Pan-African labels have better self-rated mental health and higher levels of self-esteem. Moreover, the analysis finds that respondents who prefer Pan-African labels have higher levels of mastery. Although self-esteem explains the self-rated mental health benefits of both Pan-African closeness and Pan-African label preferences, only mastery explains the relationship between Pan-African label preferences and self-rated mental health. This study demonstrates the possible psychological benefits of a globalized identity for marginalized groups in Eurocentric contexts.