Early economic disadvantage, maternal support, and depressive symptoms among Black Americans in young adulthood

Citation

Henderson, Andrea K. & Brantley, Mia J. (2018). Early economic disadvantage, maternal support, and depressive symptoms among Black Americans in young adulthood. Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association. Philadelphia, PA.

Abstract

Substantial associations between childhood economic disadvantage and adult mental health have been acknowledged within social science research. However, there is a scarcity of research examining this relationship among Black Americans, as well as the sociocultural factors that may assist Black Americans in dealing with the effects of childhood economic disadvantage. This study suggests that family structure, specifically maternal support, may be a significant resource for Black Americans in the face of early economic disadvantage and mental health outcomes. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of Black Americans, this study outlines a series of arguments linking childhood economic disadvantage, maternal support, and depressive symptoms among Black young adults. The results suggest some support for maternal support’s involvement in moderating – or buffering - the harmful effects of childhood economic hardship on depressive symptoms of Black Americans, specifically the familial context in which the maternal support is perceived. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.

URL

https://convention2.allacademic.com/one/asa/asa18/index.php?cmd=Online+Program+View+Paper&selected_paper_id=1380054

Keyword(s)

economic disadvantage mental health Black Americans family structure

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association

Series Title

2183. Section on Race, Gender, and Class Refereed Roundtable Session

Author(s)

Henderson, Andrea K.
Brantley, Mia J.

Year Published

2018

City of Publication

Philadelphia, PA

Reference ID

8365