National Survey Of American Life Research Articles

Discrimination and social isolation among African Americans: The moderating role of skin tone.

Discrimination is an urgent public health problem. A number of major cities and counties across the United States has declared racism a public health crisis. While there is a growing body of research on the discrimination-health connection, less is known regarding the social relational consequences of discrimination. The present study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the relationship between discrimination, skin tone, and objective and subjective social isolation using a nationally representative sample of African Americans. This analysis was based upon the African American subsample (N = 3,570) of the National Survey of American Life. Discrimination was assessed with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Objective and subjective isolation differentiated between respondents who were (a) socially isolated from both family and friends, (b) socially isolated from friends only, (c) socially isolated from family only, and (d) not socially isolated. Skin tone was self-reported. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to test the study hypotheses. The analyses indicated that more frequent discriminatory experiences were associated with increased risk for subjective and objective social isolation. Skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and subjective isolation; the discrimination-isolation relationship was stronger among participants with darker skin tones. These findings shed light on African Americans' nuanced experiences with discrimination and colorism. Further, the data demonstrate heterogeneity in the vulnerability to the adverse effects of discrimination within the African American population; the relationship between discrimination and subjective isolation was stratified by skin tone. This underscores the well-documented and persistent racialized social stratification system in the United States (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Correlates of Spirituality among African American and Black Caribbean Emerging Adults.

Spirituality is a significant cultural strength and resource for Black emerging adults. Numerous studies show that increasing numbers of emerging adults tend to identify themselves as being spiritual but not religious. However, no studies to date have identified the demographic correlates of spirituality for Black emerging adults from different ethnic groups (i.e., African American vs. Black Caribbean). Data from the National Survey of American Life was used to identify the demographic correlates of 2 indicators of spirituality (e.g., self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality) for 802 African American and 428 Black Caribbean emerging adults using linear regression. For African Americans, being a woman predicted both greater self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. However, among Black Caribbeans men rated spirituality higher in importance than women. African Americans who reported higher educational attainment tended to report higher levels of self-rated spirituality and subjective spirituality. Romantic status for Black Caribbeans, whether they had no romantic involvement or a current romantic partner, was associated with lower self-ratings of spirituality. Unmarried cohabitating individuals in both ethnic groups tended to report lower levels of self-related spirituality. Unemployment for Black Caribbeans was associated with lower subjective spirituality. Findings are of interest to those who serve and work with Black emerging adults.

Are There Regional Differences in Mental Health among Black Americans? An Exploration of Explanatory Mechanisms.

Using data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) (2001-2003), we examine regional differences in past-year anxiety disorder and past-year major depressive episodes among a geographically diverse sample of Black Americans (N = 3,672). We find that Black Americans residing in the South experience a mental health advantage over Black Americans living in other parts of the country, experiencing lower rates of both anxiety disorder and past-year major depression. We also examine the extent to which stress exposure, religious involvement, and neighborhood contexts help explain any regional differences. We find that stress exposure helps to explain much of the differences observed across regions, while religious involvement and neighborhood contexts help explain observed regional differences to a lesser extent. These findings highlight the importance of considering regional contexts in understanding intra-racial differences in mental health.

The role of subjective, interpersonal, and structural social isolation in 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions worldwide, and the incidence of anxiety disorders among adults in the U.S. have increased over the last decade. Anxiety disorders can have debilitating effects on multiple areas of functioning and quality of life. Recently, social isolation has emerged as an important public health problem associated with worse health and well-being outcomes. Research on the connection between social isolation and mental health has found that multiple dimensions of social isolation may negatively impact mental health, but few inquiries have focused on the association between social isolation and anxiety. This study examined the relationships between multiple dimensions of social isolation and anxiety disorders in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 and older.MethodsThe sample includes 6082 individuals from the National Survey of American Life. This study examined whether three different dimensions of social isolation—subjective, interpersonal, and structural—were associated with 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders (any anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and agoraphobia (AG). Logistic regressions were used to test the associations between the three social isolation variables and the anxiety outcomes.ResultsThis study found that of the three dimensions of social isolation, subjective isolation was most consistently related to both lifetime and 12-month anxiety disorders. Those who were subjectively isolated had increased odds of meeting criteria for any anxiety disorder, PTSD, GAD, PD, and AG over the past 12 months and throughout their lifetimes. Structural isolation was negatively associated with lifetime and 12-month AG.ConclusionsPublic health approaches should include mental health and primary care providers and need to target social isolation, especially subjective isolation, which may be key in preventing anxiety disorders and the worsening of anxiety disorders. Future public health research is needed on how and in what ways the differing dimensions of social isolation impact mental health.

Social Isolation, Self-Rated Health, and Self-Rated Oral Health among African Americans

Abstract: Social isolation is associated with worse health; however, few studies have examined the health effects of isolation among African Americans. The purpose of this study is to evaluate associations between social isolation and self-rated physical and oral health from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of African Americans. Social isolation was operationalized to reflect both objective isolation (lack of contact) and subjective isolation (lack of emotional closeness). Self-rated physical and oral health were regressed on objective and subjective isolation while controlling for marital status, gender, age, family income, education, and health behaviors. Poorer self-rated physical health was associated with objective isolation, while poorer self-rated oral health was associated with subjective isolation. This study contributes to the small literature of the impact of social isolation on health among African Americans; furthermore, it is the first to examine the relationship between isolation and self-rated oral health in this population.

The mental health toll of the Great Migration: a comparison of mental health outcomes among descendants of African American migrators.

Research is beginning to examine the health outcomes of migrators of the Great Migration, a movement of up to eight million African Americans from the South to the North and West during the twentieth century. However, sparse evidence exists studying the health outcomes of the descendants of Great Migration movers. The aim for this study was to compare the lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders by migration status. We used a sample of 3183 African American adults from the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003). Using birthplaces of participants and their mothers, we classified adults as (1) Southern stayers, (2) migrators to the South, (3) migrators to the North or (4) Northern stayers. The outcomes were lifetime prevalence of any mental health, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. We used weighted log-Poisson regression models and adjusted for demographic characteristics and socioeconomic status. Migrators to the North and Northern stayers had higher risks of any lifetime mental health, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders compared to Southern stayers in the adjusted models. Migrators to the North and Northern stayers were more likely to report perceived discrimination. This study suggests that migrating families to the North may have experienced mental health adversities.

“So, Do Not Fear”: Religion and the prevalence, persistence, and severity of anxiety disorders among Black Americans

BackgroundThere is a dearth of scholarship that explicates the effects of religious participation on anxiety disorders among Black Americans. A better understanding of the links between religious participation, a coping resource, and anxiety disorders among Black Americans remains essential, given Black Americans are less likely than their white counterparts to seek professional treatment for mental health problems, leading to greater unmet mental health needs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether religious participation is associated with the prevalence, persistence, and severity of anxiety disorders among Black adults. MethodsWe used a national sample of Black adults (N = 4999) from the National Survey of American Life, a cross-sectional study conducted from 2001 to 2003. Five anxiety disorders were assessed: posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Three dimensions of religious participation were assessed: organizational, non-organizational, and subjective religious participation. Weighted logistic and linear regressions were estimated to examine the associations between religious participation and anxiety disorders. ResultsFindings indicate that organizational religious participation and subjective religiosity were associated with lower odds of anxiety disorders and decreased severity. Findings for non-organizational religious participation in relation to the prevalence, persistence, and severity of anxiety disorders were mixed. LimitationsThe study limitations include the utilization of self-reported measures, cross-sectional study design, and age of the data set. ConclusionsDifferent dimensions of religious participation have differing effects on anxiety disorders. Religious participation may be an important resource for Black Americans in coping and preventing anxiety disorders.

Beyond Empathy: Familial Incarceration, Stress Proliferation, and Depressive Symptoms Among African Americans

Abstract Women tend to be more vulnerable to the adverse psychological effects of “network events” (stressors that occur to loved ones). The cost-of-caring hypothesis is regarded as the primary mechanism for this vulnerability and posits that women’s relatively high level of emotional involvement in the lives of network members causes women to experience greater empathetic reactions when loved ones encounter stressors. Drawing on the stress process model, gender theory, and research on the collateral consequences of incarceration, we theorize stress proliferation, the process by which an initial stressor induces secondary stressors, as an additional mechanism and empirically test our theoretical propositions using the case of African Americans with an incarcerated family member. Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we ask: are African American women more vulnerable to the depressive effects of familial incarceration compared to African American men? If so, to what extent might African American women’s heightened vulnerability be explained by their greater susceptibility to stress proliferation? Results suggest that familial incarceration is associated with greater chronic strains, financial strain, and family conflict only among African American women. Further, the magnitude of the association between familial incarceration and depressive symptoms is significantly larger among African American women; however, after adjusting for stress proliferation variables, the gender difference in vulnerability attenuates and becomes statistically nonsignificant. We conclude that the emotional cost of caring may be compounded by social and economic costs of caregiving, heightening women’s vulnerability to depression following disruptive network events.

HOW SKIN TONE INFLUENCES RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISCRIMINATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS

Abstract Skin tone has been identified as an important factor for within-group health disparities. We examine the moderating role of skin tone in the relationship between discrimination, self-rated mental health, and serious psychological distress (SPD) and (b) whether moderated by gender. We used a subsample of African Americans aged 55+ (N = 837) from the National Survey of American Life. Mental health outcomes were SPD and self-rated mental health. Results indicate discrimination was associated with worse self-rated mental health and SPD in the total sample and among women. Skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and SPD among both genders. The effect of discrimination on mental health was stronger among darker-skinned respondents than lighter respondents. Gender-stratified analyses indicated skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and self-rated mental health for men but not women. The negative psychological effects associated with darker complexion indicate one mechanism linking discrimination and mental health.

INCARCERATION HISTORY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH COGNITION AND ISOLATION AMONG OLDER BLACK AMERICANS

Abstract Incarceration is a risk factor for adverse health and disproportionately affects Black Americans. Little is known about its implications for later life functioning. This study investigated the associations between incarceration and social isolation and cognition among older Black Americans. Sample included African American and Caribbean Black respondents aged 50+ from the National Survey of American Life, 2001-2003 (N=1,561; 12.6% with incarceration history). Lifetime incarceration history (yes/no) was defined as having been in jail, prison, or juvenile detention. Continuous cognitive score was measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-II, with higher scores indicating higher cognitive difficulty. Binary isolation was assessed by combining two indicators of frequency of contact and feelings of closeness, for friends and family, using a 4-point Likert scale. Multivariable weighted linear and logistic regressions were fit for the associations between cognitive score and social isolation, respectively. All models adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, poverty, education, marital status, and drug use; model for cognition further adjusted for mental health and traumatic experiences and models for isolation further adjusted for discrimination. Moderation by nativity (U.S. versus foreign born) was assessed using interaction. History of incarceration was associated with worse cognition (β = 0.09, 95% CI: -1.48, 1.66) and higher odds of social isolation for frequency (AOR: 1.48 95% CI: 0.89, 2.46) and closeness (AOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.15). Results not moderated by nativity. Findings suggest contexts surrounding incarceration, like social supports, may be important engagement points for successful transitions and promotion of psychological and cognitive health in this population.

THE MODERATING ROLE OF RACE AND ETHNICITY BETWEEN NEGATIVE FAMILY INTERACTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Studies generally show that negative social interactions are detrimental to mental health for older adults. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that negative interactions may function differently in relation to mental health across racial/ethnic groups given their unique life circumstances and social conditions. This study examines whether the association between negative family interactions and mental health outcomes varies by race and ethnicity. Samples of older African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and non-Latino Whites aged 55 and older were drawn from the National Survey of American Life (N = 1,439). Mental health variables included depressive symptoms, any lifetime disorder according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), and number of lifetime DSM-IV disorders. Regression models were used to test the study aim. Analyses indicated that negative interactions with family were positively associated with all 3 mental health outcomes. Several racial/ethnic differences emerged. The association between negative family interactions and depressive symptoms was stronger among Whites than African Americans. While negative family interactions were positively associated with number of disorders among Caribbean Blacks, negative interactions were unrelated to number of disorders among African Americans. This study demonstrates the racial and ethnic differences in diverse aging populations and the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of the Black American population in minority research. Clinical practice should focus on reducing negative family interactions, and future research should examine whether psychosocial resources (e.g., stress appraisals, neighborhood social cohesion) can attenuate the association between negative family interactions and mental health for older African Americans.

Ethno-racial variation in psychotic experiences in the United States: Findings from the National Latino and Asian American Survey and the National Survey of American Life

BackgroundEthno-racial differences in psychosis risk are documented; however, there is less research on whether these differences extend to sub-threshold psychotic experiences, and whether there is significant variation within ethno-racial categories. MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Latino and Asian American Survey (NLAAS) and the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the association between race/ethnicity and lifetime psychotic experiences among Latino, Asian, and Black adults in the general population, adjusting for gender, age, nativity, education level, income level, employment status, and everyday discrimination. ResultsPuerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Hispanics had greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences when compared with Mexicans, though differences diminished when adjusting for covariates. Filipino and other Asians had greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences when compared with Chinese, though again, differences diminished when adjusting for covariates. Among Black Americans, there were no significant ethnic subgroup differences. ConclusionEthno-racial differences extend across the psychosis continuum. There are nuanced health profiles across and within ethno-racial categories. Differences may be attributable to differences in experiences living in the US, underscoring the need for community-specific interventions.

Formal Social Control and Mental Health: Ethnic Variation among Black Women

The present study uses elements of the social stress and intersectionality theories to examine associations between forms of criminal justice contact and mental health among African American and Afro-Caribbean women. While mass incarceration disproportionately targets, detains, and affects Black populations, the experiences and consequences of criminal justice contact for Black women remain understudied. Utilizing the National Survey of American Life ( n = 3,011), this study examined ethnic-stratified associations between criminal justice contact and three mental health indicators among Black women—psychological distress, self-rated mental health, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We assessed justice contact based on any contact (i.e., direct contact and/or family member incarceration), and then disaggregated contact into direct (i.e., personally experienced negative police interactions, arrests, and incarceration) and familial incarceration. Findings showed that any contact as well as direct forms of contact were associated with higher psychological distress for African American women and odds of PTSD for both groups. Furthermore, negative police interactions and family member incarceration were associated with psychological distress for African American women, while only familial incarceration worsened self-rated mental health for Afro-Caribbean women. This study yields important insights for research at the intersection of gender-ethnic status, spillover outcomes of formal social control, and mental health stratification.

Local Confederate Memorialization and Gender-Ethnic Variation in Mental Health among Black Residents

Memorials romanticizing the short-lived Confederate States of America remain scattered across public spaces. Yet, little research examines whether memorials are consequential for residents that live proximate to them. This study relies on insights from social stress theory to examine associations between the local presence of public Confederate memorials and the mental health of African American and Afro-Caribbean adults. Data for this study are merged from the National Survey of American Life (n=4,740) and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s census of Confederate memorials. We examine associations between counts of local Confederate memorials and depressive symptomatology, self-rated mental health, and substance use disorder. Results from gender-stratified generalized models show that logged memorial counts are curvilinearly associated with mental health among Black women such that psychological adjustment is typically poorest in counties with an average number of memorials. In these spaces, African American women experience significantly greater depressive symptoms than Afro-Caribbean women. Moreover, social cohesion—familial support, membership with a pro-Black organization, frequent contact with neighbors, and ethnic closeness—modifies associations between memorials and mental health such that women with high levels of cohesion typically experience buffered mental health impacts when residing proximal to memorials. This study highlights the importance of critically investigating stressors extending from white supremacy across social statuses and theorizing resourcefulness against antiblack racism.

James S. Jackson and the program for research on Black Americans: Contributions to psychology and the social sciences.

James S. Jackson (1944-2020) is remembered as a groundbreaking social psychologist whose career contributions in scholarship, research, and service were fundamental to the field of psychology. This article briefly outlines his career-long work and contributions. A strong believer in interdisciplinary work, his research spanned other related social science disciplines (e.g., sociology, political science), as well as health and social welfare professions (public health, social work, medicine). As the founding director of the Program for Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research, James Jackson initiated and led a long-standing program with a dual focus on research and training and mentoring doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career scientists. Jackson's efforts in the development of several nationally representative surveys of the Black population in the United States (e.g., National Survey of Black Americans, National Survey of American Life) revolutionized research focusing on the lives of Black Americans. James Jackson's international influence and reputation included numerous prestigious positions within national science organizations and honors and awards for his scientific contributions. Among James S. Jackson's most enduring legacies is the vast network of current scientists, researchers, and academics who were trained under his direction and leadership. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Racial discrimination and 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders among African American men and women: Findings from the National Survey of American Life

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the associations between racial discrimination and 12-month and lifetime DSM-IV anxiety disorders among African American men and women. MethodsData was drawn from the African American sample of the National Survey of American Life (N = 3570). Racial discrimination was assessed with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. 12-month and lifetime DSM-IV outcomes were any anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and agoraphobia (AG). Logistic regressions were utilized to assess the relationships between discrimination and anxiety disorders. ResultsThe data indicated that racial discrimination was associated with increased odds for 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders, AG, and PD and lifetime SAD among men. Regarding 12-month disorders among women, racial discrimination was associated with increased odds for any anxiety disorder, PTSD, SAD, and PD. With respect to lifetime disorders among women, racial discrimination was associated with increased odds for any anxiety disorder, PTSD, GAD, SAD, and PD. LimitationsThe limitations of this study include the utilization of cross-sectional data, self-reported measures, and the exclusion of non-community dwelling individuals. ConclusionsThe current investigation showed that African American men and women are not impacted by racial discrimination in the same ways. These findings suggest that the mechanisms through which discrimination operates among men and women to influence anxiety disorders is potentially a relevant target for interventions to address gender disparities in anxiety disorders.

Discrimination, psychotic experiences, and racial identity among Black Americans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life

An emerging body of evidence suggests racial and ethnic identity may buffer the effects of discrimination on psychotic experiences, though the buffering effects have not been consistent across studies. More research is needed to clarify the conditions under which aspects of racial identity modify the effects of various forms of discrimination on psychotic experiences among Black Americans. We analyzed data from the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the relations between various forms of discrimination and lifetime psychotic experiences, testing the interactive effects of two aspects of racial identity (racial group identification and racial private regard), adjusted for sociodemographic covariates. The relation between everyday discrimination and psychotic experiences was stronger for African Americans who reported higher levels of racial group identification. Conversely, the relation between major discriminatory events and psychotic experiences was stronger for Caribbean Black Americans who reported lower levels of racial group identification. Higher racial private regard moderated the associations between everyday discrimination and psychotic experiences, and outgroup colorism and psychotic experiences among Caribbean Black Americans. The role of racial identity is complex and appears to moderate the relation between some (but not all) forms of discrimination and lifetime psychotic experiences, depending on ethnicity.

Coping and Protective Factors of Mental Health: An Examination of African American and US Caribbean Black Women Exposed to IPV from a Nationally Representative Sample.

Existing research continues to highlight the harm that intimate partner violence (IPV) can pose to health and well-being. However, little is done to understand the effectiveness of coping and protective mechanisms in helping women manage under adverse circumstances. The current study addresses the mental health of US Black women and the role of coping and protective moderators. An analysis of data from the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003), the most comprehensive survey on the health of US Blacks, was conducted. The association between severe physical intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes were confirmed. Resilience moderated the relationship between severe intimate partner violence and mood disorder among US Black women, but this differed between African American and Caribbean Blacks. Resilience, emotional family support, and spirituality reduced the likelihood of having a mental health condition for some African American and Caribbean Black women, while the opposite was found for religiosity. Demographic factors were also associated with mental health conditions and behaviors. The study draws our attention to potential coping and protective mechanisms that could be incorporated into counseling and intervention practices while recognizing factors that may be harmful to the mental health of individuals.

Shades of Black: Gendered Denominational Variation in Depression Symptoms Among Black Christians.

Religion and spirituality (R/S) play a central role in shaping the contextual experiences of many Black people in the United States. Blacks are among the most religiously engaged groups in the country. Levels and types of religious engagement, however, can vary by subcategories such as gender or denominational affiliation. Although R/S involvement has been linked to improved mental health outcomes for Black people in general, it is unclear whether these benefits extend to all Black people who claim R/S affiliation irrespective of denomination and gender. Data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) sought to determine whether there are differences in the odds of reporting elevated depressive symptomology among African American and Black Caribbean Christian adults across denominational affiliation and gender. Initial logistic regression analysis found similar odds of elevated depressive symptoms across gender and denominational affiliation, but further analysis revealed the presence of a denomination by gender interaction. Specifically, there was a significantly larger gender gap in the odds of reporting elevated depression symptoms for Methodists than for Baptists and Catholics. In addition, Presbyterian women had lower odds of reporting elevated symptoms than Methodist women. This study's findings highlight the importance of examining denominational disparities among Black Christians, and suggest that denomination and gender may work in tandem to shape the R/S experiences and mental health outcomes of Black people in the United States.

Pushing Past Limits: How Efficacious Is High-Effort Coping for Self-Rated Health among African American and Caribbean Black Women?

Due to systemic oppression, Black women experience distinct risks across the life course, such as exposure to various stressors that shape lower ratings of self-rated health. This is important given that self-rated health is a stronger indicator of current morbidity and subsequent mortality than physician assessments. However, there has been limited consideration of the role of coping in shaping self-rated health among this group. John Henryism, or high-effort coping, is a culturally relevant coping style that reflects the broader societal, cultural, and historical context that shapes lived experiences of Black populations navigating racism and capitalism in the U.S., and has received limited consideration in health research among Black women. Additionally, less is known regarding how ethnicity shapes John Henryism and health processes among Black women specifically. Therefore, the present study examined the association between John Henryism and self-rated health among African American and Caribbean Black women (n = 1580) collectively, and explored this association among Caribbean Black women specifically, utilizing the National Survey of American Life (NSAL 2001–2003). Findings show that while John Henryism was not directly associated with self-rated health among either group, once sociodemographic characteristics and stress exposure were accounted for, John Henryism was associated with lower odds of fair or poor self-rated health among both groups.