The Role of Racial–Ethnic Identity in Understanding Depressive Symptoms in the Context of Racial Discrimination Among African American Youth

Abstract

Objective: The current study tested the individual associations of three dimensions of racial–ethnic identity (i.e., private regard, public regard, and racial centrality) on depression and their moderation effects on the relationship between racial discrimination and depression. Method: We conducted secondary data analysis using a large, nationally representative cross-sectional sample of African American youth in the United States (N=810; mean age =15, SD=1.44; 52% female). We used hierarchical multiple regression modeling to test the moderation effects of racial–ethnic identity dimensions on the relationship between racial discrimination and depression, controlling for demographics and parental support. Results: Of participants, 86% reported experiencing at least one of the racial discrimination experiences on the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Consistent with prior research, racial discrimination was associated with depressive symptoms; higher levels of emotional support from parents were significantly and negatively associated with depression. Most importantly, whereas the racial–ethnic identity dimensions were positively correlated to one another, we found they have unique associations with depression. In particular, public regard (i.e., participants’ evaluation of how society views the Black racial group) moderated the association between racial discrimination and depression. Conclusions: Although it is important to understand the independent effects of the racial–ethnic identity dimensions, the current study also suggests the need to understand their interactive effects on depression in the context of racial discrimination among African American youth.