Better Together: Family and Peer Support for Black Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement

Abstract

The study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement impacted Black young adults’ social relationships and how receiving support from family or peers differentially influenced psychological adjustment. Surveys were sent in January 2021 and respondents included a total of 346 Black adults (66% female; mean age 26.2). A 2X2 repeated measures analysis of variance with social convoys and events was performed. Separate hierarchical regression analyses were performed with psychological well-being, psychological distress, and psychological need satisfaction. The pandemic negatively impacted relationships with peers. The BLM movement had favorable effects on both peer and family relationships. Family support relating to the pandemic and peer support relating to the BLM movement were associated with heightened psychological adjustment. The beneficial effects of pandemic-related support were mediated by greater psychological need satisfaction. The results indicate how important family and peer support are to individuals’ psychological adjustment during pivotal events.

COVID-19, the COVID-19 response, and racial injustice: Associations with depressive and anxiety symptoms among US adults from April 2020 to March 2021

“…Our results align with other studies suggesting that the BLM protest movement may have had a protective effect on the mental health of those who participated. The 2020 BLM protests occurred predominantly in urban areas and younger people were much more likely than older people to participate ( Horowitz, 2020 ; Baskin-Sommers et al, 2021 ; Audet et al, 2022 ). For many Black youth, the movement created a sense of social support, protecting them against feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation during the pandemic ( Audet et al, 2022 ).…”

“…The 2020 BLM protests occurred predominantly in urban areas and younger people were much more likely than older people to participate ( Horowitz, 2020 ; Baskin-Sommers et al, 2021 ; Audet et al, 2022 ). For many Black youth, the movement created a sense of social support, protecting them against feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation during the pandemic ( Audet et al, 2022 ). For those living in MSAs, BLM activism enhanced feelings of social cohesion, particularly in urban Black communities ( Crowell et al, 2017 ).…”

Gender differences in perceived racism threat and activism during the Black Lives Matter social justice movement for Black young adults

“…Furthermore, civic engagement during adolescence was associated with positive outcomes, such as greater life satisfaction, and educational attainment over time among racial minority groups (Chan et al, 2014). Moreover, recent research suggests that supporting the BLM movement may help buffer against depressive symptoms (Watson‐Singleton et al, 2021), and that peer support relating to the BLM movement may lower psychological distress (Audet et al, 2022).…”