Socioeconomic Stability Buffers Racial Discrimination Effect on Depression in a Marginalized Community.

Abstract

Depression disproportionately burdens poverty-affected minority communities. Racism and racial discrimination are well-known determinants of depression among members of marginalized minority communities. Less is known about potential buffers of the discrimination effects on depression, particularly those that could serve as targets for efficient community-based policies and interventions. Our secondary analysis of data from a community needs assessment survey (N = 677) in an urban minority neighborhood of low socio-economic status revealed that high school completion and current employment significantly weakened the association between discrimination and depression. Our findings frame community-level efforts to foster high school completion and employment as potential strategies to reduce the footprint of racism on the mental health of marginalized community members. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.