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Arnold TD, Polenick CA, Maust DT, Blow FC. Interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms among older Black and African American adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304168. [PMID: 38843241 PMCID: PMC11156267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine the association between recent experiences of discrimination and depressive symptom presentation and severity among a U.S. sample of older Black and African American adults. A cross-sectional survey of 124 Black and African American adults aged 50 and older in the United States was conducted assessing interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms. The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire assessed four forms of interpersonal discrimination. A measure of heightened vigilance to bias assessed anticipatory coping with discrimination experiences. Past-month affective and somatic symptoms of depression were assessed using the Depressive and Somatic Symptoms Scale. All forms of interpersonal racial discrimination were positively associated with greater affective symptom severity. Being avoided, devalued, and threatened or actively physically harmed were associated with greater somatic symptom severity. Vigilant coping was positively associated with affective symptom severity but not somatic symptom severity. Racial discrimination is linked to depression severity among older Black and African American and varies by symptom. This study helps inform work on processes linking discrimination with poorer psychological outcomes and will allow for more effective interventions and prevention efforts that are tailored to older minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomorrow D. Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Courtney A. Polenick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Donovan T. Maust
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Frederic C. Blow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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Ramirez O. Predictors of Symptoms of Depression Among Black Seventh-Day Adventists in the United States. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:567-576. [PMID: 37318669 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01847-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate a regression model that best predict symptoms of depression among Black Seventh-day Adventists in the United States. The sample (n = 3,570) was drawn from the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study, a sub-study of the larger Adventist Health Study-2 consisting of a random sample (n = 10,998) of Adventists. The results of the study showed that poor sleep quality, hostility, stress, and perceived discrimination were all predictors of symptoms of depression, while religious involvement decreased the likelihood of experiencing those symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Ramirez
- Department of Social Work, Fort Hays State University, 600 Park St., Hays, KS, 67601, USA.
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Wang Y, Liao J, Chen H, Tao L, Liu J. Association of perceived discrimination with the risk of depression among US older adults: A prospective population-based cohort study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23843. [PMID: 38226276 PMCID: PMC10788503 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Association between perceived discrimination and depression has been demonstrated in some sources of discrimination, such as age, sex, and race. However, the effects of perceived discrimination both in any domain and each domain on development of depression are still unclear. We aimed to estimate the association of any and each domain of perceived discrimination with the risk of depression among US older adults. Methods We did a population-based cohort study using eight waves (from 2006 to 2020) of data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative study of US older adults aged 51 years and above. Perceived discrimination was measured by the shortened 5-item version of Williams' discrimination scale, including five domains (less courtesy, service setting, not smart, threatened or harassed, and medical setting). Depressive symptoms were assessed with shortened 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Depression scale (8-item CES-D). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the crude and adjusted hazards ratio (HRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) between perceived discrimination and risk of depression, after controlling for potential confounders. Results A total of 18502 participants were included in our final analyses. 42.8 % of them had any perceived discrimination at baseline, and the most prevalent perceived discrimination was feeling less courtesy, which was observed in 5893 people (31.6 %). During a median of 9.8 years follow-up, 44.7 % of participants developed depression. The risk of depression was 46 % (adjusted HR: 1.46, 95 % CI: 1.39-1.52) higher among people with perceived discrimination than those without. The associations between perceived discrimination in each domain and risk of depression were all prominent. Conclusions Both any and each domain of perceived discrimination were associated with an increased risk of depression. Considering the high prevalence of perceived discrimination and the following poor health outcomes, our findings suggested the integrated measures of providing public education and diversified communication to reduce discrimination, as well as accessible emotional supports to prevent depression are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liao
- Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49, Huayuan North Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongguang Chen
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), No.35, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), No.35, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liyuan Tao
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No.38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, No.5, Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, China
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Ferraro KF, Zaborenko CJ. Race, everyday discrimination, and cognitive function in later life. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292617. [PMID: 37878577 PMCID: PMC10599523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Discrimination is pernicious in many ways, but there are inconsistent findings regarding whether it is harmful to cognitive function in later life. To address the inconsistency, we use two closely related concepts of everyday discrimination to predict cognitive trajectories in a diverse sample. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we examine whether the frequency of discrimination, measured at baseline with six questions, is related to poorer cognitive function and change in function over time (2008-2016). Age at baseline ranged from 53 to 100. Growth curve models of initial cognitive function and change in function were estimated. Everyday global discrimination was associated with poorer initial cognition and slower declines over time, and these relationships were not moderated by race and ethnicity. By contrast, the relationship between everyday racial discrimination and cognition was moderated by race: more frequent everyday racial discrimination was associated with better initial cognitive function among Black adults but not among Hispanic and White adults. Discrimination is a multifaceted concept, and specific types of discrimination manifest lower or higher cognitive function during later life for White, Black, and Hispanic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F. Ferraro
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Callie J. Zaborenko
- Department of Sociology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Center on Aging and the Life Course, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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Agterberg S, Weinberger AH, Stanton CA, Shuter J. Perceived racial/ethnic discrimination and cigarette smoking behaviors among a sample of people with HIV. J Behav Med 2023; 46:801-811. [PMID: 36864228 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-023-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
This study was a secondary analysis of baseline data from a clinical trial of an intensive group-based smoking cessation treatment for people with HIV (PWH) who smoke. It examined the cross-sectional relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination (PED) and cigarette smoking variables (i.e., nicotine dependence, motivation to quit smoking, self-efficacy to quit smoking) among PWH and explored whether depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between PED and smoking variables. Participants (N = 442; Mage = 50.6; 52.8% Male; 56.3% Black, non-Hispanic; 6.3% White, non-Hispanic; 13.3% Hispanic; 87.7% unemployed; 81.6% single) completed measures of demographics, cigarette smoking, depressive symptoms, and PED. Greater PED was related to lower self-efficacy to quit smoking, greater perceived stress, and greater depressive symptoms. In addition, depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between PED and two cigarette smoking variables (i.e., nicotine dependence, self-efficacy to quit smoking). Findings highlight the need for smoking interventions to target PED, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms to improve smoking cessation variables among PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Agterberg
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Andrea H Weinberger
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Cassandra A Stanton
- Westat, Rockville, MD, USA
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Miller LR. Queer Aging: Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults' Visions of Late Life. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad021. [PMID: 37063703 PMCID: PMC10101047 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Diversity in aging has received increased attention in recent years in the field of gerontology. However, older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people have largely been missing from these conversations. In this study, I examine older LGB people's subjective views on the aging process, focusing specifically on visions of late life. Research Design and Methods Life story interviews were conducted with 60 LGB individuals over the age of 55 who reside in the Southeastern and Midwestern portions of the United States. Inductive coding (e.g., line-by-line, focused) and analyses were conducted. Results Four major themes emerged from the data: (1) financial distress linked to past events of homophobic discrimination, (2) anxieties regarding staying in paid care settings, (3) desires to age in place or "in community" with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and (4) a prioritization of quality of life over longevity via plans to pursue assisted suicide. Discussion and Implications The findings of this study suggest that views of aging and visions of late life are tied to social group membership, highlighting the need for gerontologists to further consider cumulative inequality processes. The study also offers evidence of queer aging, wherein queer culture, history, and experience produce distinct meanings of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Miller
- Department of Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
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Hamler TC, Nguyen AW, Keith V, Qin W, Wang F. How Skin Tone Influences Relationships Between Discrimination, Psychological Distress, and Self-Rated Mental Health Among Older African Americans. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:2026-2037. [PMID: 35976084 PMCID: PMC9683503 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As within-group differences have emerged as a key area of inquiry for health disparities among African Americans, skin tone has been identified as an important factor. This study aims to examine: (a) the moderating role of skin tone in the relationship between discrimination, self-rated mental health, and serious psychological distress (SPD) and (b) whether this moderating effect differs across genders in a nationally representative sample of older African Americans. METHODS Analyses were conducted on a subsample of African Americans aged 55+ (N = 837) from the National Survey of American Life. The mental health outcomes were SPD and self-rated mental health. Discrimination was assessed with the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Skin tone was self-reported. Multiple linear regressions tested the study aims. RESULTS 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 in the total sample and among men and women. The associations between discrimination and mental health outcomes were 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. DISCUSSION This study contributes to the emerging body of literature on skin tone, discrimination, and mental health. Uncovering mechanisms behind the "why" is an important next step in understanding how skin tone influences the relationship between discrimination and mental health. The negative psychological effects associated with darker complexion provide several areas to be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone C Hamler
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Verna Keith
- Department of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Weidi Qin
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Chen P. Inner child of the past: long-term protective role of childhood relationships with mothers and fathers and maternal support for mental health in middle and late adulthood. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:1399-1416. [PMID: 34842965 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE National longitudinal studies that investigate the long-term association between early family life and mental health in middle and older adulthood are limited. This study aims to fill the gap by examining the protective effect of positive childhood relationships with mothers and fathers and parental support against depression among women and men in middle and late adulthood. METHODS The sample of 12,606 adults (7319 females; 5287 males) from the US Health and Retirement Study was nationally representative with the inclusion of 7 depression measures from 2008 to 2018. Two depression measures, CESD-8 scale and binary indicators of severe depressive symptoms, were used. Generalized estimation equations (GEE)-negative binomial models were estimated for CESD-8 and GEE-logit models were estimated for the binary indicator of severe depression. This study aimed to assess how positive parent-child relationships and maternal support protect the mental health of women and men in adulthood. Other risk and psychosocial factors, such as childhood depression, traumatic life events, stressful life events, marital status, and social support in adulthood were adjusted for. RESULTS Positive childhood relationships with mothers, fathers, or both parents and increased maternal support were associated with a lower risk of depression among both females and males from middle to old age, even if they experienced trauma, stressful life events, divorce, singlehood, widowhood, or little social support. Females benefited more psychologically than males from positive mother-daughter relationships and high-quality relationships with both parents. However, compared to mother-child relationships, positive father-child relationships protected men better psychosocially than females. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of fathers' roles in promoting their children's, especially sons', emotional well-being. Interventions in early mother-child and father-child relationships and parental support are crucial for healthy aging in mental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Chen
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box #8180, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-8180, USA.
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Milam AJ, Brown I, Edwards-Johnson J, McDougle L, Sousa A, Furr-Holden D. Experiences of Discrimination, Institutional Responses to Seminal Race Events, and Depressive Symptoms in Black U.S. Medical Students. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2022; 97:876-883. [PMID: 35703911 PMCID: PMC9204755 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship between experiences of discrimination, institutional responses to seminal race events, and depressive symptoms among Black medical students. METHOD This study collected data from a convenience sample of Black U.S. medical students via an anonymous electronic questionnaire in August 2020 that was distributed through the Student National Medical Association and Organization of Student Representatives listservs and an author's social media accounts. It included questions on demographics, institutional responses to seminal race events, experiences of discrimination, and symptoms of depression. Path models were used to examine the relationship between experiences of discrimination, institutional responses to seminal race events, and depressive symptoms among Black medical students. RESULTS Of the 750 students completing the survey, 733 (97.7%) were Black. Experiences of discrimination and a lack of institutional responses to seminal race events were associated with more depressive symptoms (b = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.26; P < .001 and b = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20; P = .01). After controlling for gender and clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety before medical school, there was a relationship between experiences of discrimination and institutional responses to seminal race events such that students who reported more experiences of discrimination were more likely to report that their institution did not respond to seminal race events (b = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.48; P < .001). Experiences of discrimination moderated the relationship between institutional responses to seminal race events and depressive symptoms (i.e., the relationship between a lack of institutional responses to seminal race events and depressive symptoms was stronger among students who reported more frequent experiences of discrimination). CONCLUSIONS Institutions dedicated to supporting Black medical student wellness must be diligent in cultivating a culture intolerant of discrimination and deft in their responses to seminal race events in the larger culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Milam
- A.J. Milam is associate professor of anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9306-1598
| | - Italo Brown
- I. Brown is assistant professor of emergency medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jennifer Edwards-Johnson
- J. Edwards-Johnson is associate professor and community assistant dean, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Leon McDougle
- L. McDougle is professor of family medicine and associate dean for diversity and inclusion, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2400-8763
| | - Aron Sousa
- A. Sousa is interim dean, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Debra Furr-Holden
- D. Furr-Holden is the C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health and associate dean for public health integration, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9337-9886
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Sylvers D, Taylor RJ, Barnes L, Ifatunji MA, Chatters LM. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Major and Everyday Discrimination Among Older Adults: African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites. J Aging Health 2022; 34:460-471. [PMID: 35420508 PMCID: PMC9165708 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221085818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined differences in major and everyday discrimination between African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino White older adults. METHODS Data are taken from the National Survey of American Life. Measures of major (e.g., unfairly fired and harassed by police) and everyday (e.g., treated with less courtesy, insulted, and followed in stores) discrimination were examined. RESULTS Both African Americans and Black Caribbeans reported more major and everyday discrimination than non-Latino Whites. However, there were no significant differences between African Americans and Whites with regards to being fired, neighbors making life difficult and receiving poor service. There were no significant differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans in major or everyday discrimination. DISCUSSION The discussion notes the importance of examining racial as well as within group ethnic differences within the Black American population in the types of discrimination. It also notes the importance of examining indicators of both major and everyday discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominque Sylvers
- School of Public Health, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Lisa Barnes
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, 2461Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mosi Adesina Ifatunji
- Department of Afro American Studies, Department of Sociology, 5229University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- School of Social Work, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Gillespie SL, Christian LM, Mackos AR, Nolan TS, Gondwe KW, Anderson CM, Hall MW, Williams KP, Slavich GM. Lifetime stressor exposure, systemic inflammation during pregnancy, and preterm birth among Black American women. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:266-274. [PMID: 35031400 PMCID: PMC8885874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Black American mothers and infants are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality than their White counterparts, the biological mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain largely unknown. To investigate the role that lifetime stressor exposure, perceived stressor severity, and systemic inflammatory markers might play, we studied how these factors were interrelated in 92 pregnant Black American women. We also compared inflammatory marker levels for women who did versus did not go on to give birth preterm. During the early third trimester, women completed the Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults to assess the stressors they experienced over their lifetime. Women also provided blood samples for plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α quantification. Preterm births were identified by medical record review. Controlling for relevant covariates, there were significant positive associations between average levels of both overall and acute perceived stressor severity and plasma IL-1β levels. Controlling for perceived stress at assessment and exposure to racial discrimination did not affect these results. Mediation models revealed that exposure to more chronic stressors was related to higher plasma IL-1β levels, as mediated by higher average levels of overall perceived stressor severity. Exposure to fewer acute stressors was related to higher plasma IL-1β levels, as mediated by higher average levels of acute perceived stressor severity. Finally, women who went on to give birth preterm had higher levels of plasma IL-6. These data thus highlight the potential importance of assessing and addressing lifetime stressor exposure among mothers before and during maternal-infant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. Gillespie
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Please address correspondence to Shannon L. Gillespie, 358 Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA; 1-614-292-4589 Office;
| | - Lisa M. Christian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy R. Mackos
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timiya S. Nolan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kaboni W. Gondwe
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA,Department of Nursing Research & Evidence-based Practice, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Mark W. Hall
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA,Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - George M. Slavich
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Nguyen AW, Wang F, Qin W, Hamler TC. The Role of Church Support Networks in the Relationship between Discrimination and Psychiatric Disorders among Older African Americans. REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH 2022; 64:35-54. [PMID: 35757388 PMCID: PMC9223494 DOI: 10.1007/s13644-021-00464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined the effects of discrimination on mental health specifically among older African Americans despite it being a common experience in this population. Further, knowledge on social resources, such as social relationships, that could mitigate the effects of discrimination is limited in this population. Given the historical and contemporaneous importance of the Black church in African American communities, church members are important support network members and a major source of social support for older African Americans. Purpose To address these knowledge gaps, this study will (1) examine the association between racial discrimination and psychiatric disorders; and (2) determine whether church relationships moderate the impact of racial discrimination on psychiatric disorders. Methods Data from African American respondents aged 55 and older were drawn from the National Survey of American Life (N = 837). Church relationship variables included receipt of emotional support from, frequency of contact with, and subjective closeness to church members. Regression analyses were used to test the study aims. Results Analyses indicated that more frequent experiences of racial discrimination were associated with meeting criteria for any DSM-IV disorder and a greater number of DSM-IV disorders. Significant interactions revealed that frequency of contact with and subjective closeness to church members mitigated the association between discrimination and meeting criteria for any 12-month disorder and number of 12-month disorders. Conclusions and Implications Altogether, these findings support the literature on the detrimental effects of discrimination on the mental health of older African Americans and provide a more nuanced understanding of the role of church members in the lives of older African Americans. The study findings suggest that church relationships are effective stress coping resources for older African Americans dealing with discrimination. Given the importance and relevance of church members, initial clinical assessments should assess clients' level of religious involvement and relationships with church members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Fei Wang
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Weidi Qin
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Tyrone C Hamler
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University
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Abstract
We reviewed research that examines racism as an independent variable and one or more health outcomes as dependent variables in Black American adults aged 50 years and older in the USA. Of the 43 studies we reviewed, most measured perceived interpersonal racism, perceived institutional racism, or residential segregation. The only two measures of structural racism were birth and residence in a "Jim Crow state." Fourteen studies found associations between racism and mental health outcomes, five with cardiovascular outcomes, seven with cognition, two with physical function, two with telomere length, and five with general health/other health outcomes. Ten studies found no significant associations in older Black adults. All but six of the studies were cross-sectional. Research to understand the extent of structural and multilevel racism as a social determinant of health and the impact on older adults specifically is needed. Improved measurement tools could help address this gap in science.
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Taylor RJ. Race and Mental Health Among Older Adults: Within- and Between-Group Comparisons. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igaa056. [PMID: 33367113 PMCID: PMC7739883 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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