The impact of subjective, interpersonal, and structural social isolation on the mental health of African Americans and Black Caribbeans

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research on social isolation and mental health among Black populations is underdeveloped. Using a nationally representative sample, our study examined the association between social isolation, depressive symptoms and psychological distress among African Americans (AAs) and Black Caribbeans (BCs). For both AAs and BCs, we found interpersonal and subjective isolation were associated with greater depressive symptoms. Greater distress was associated with greater subjective isolation and lower structural isolation for AAs; however, greater interpersonal isolation was associated with greater distress for BCs. Findings from this study may inform evidence-based interventions to mitigate isolation and improve mental health among AAs and BCs.