Status Variation in Anticipatory Stressors and Their Associations with Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Members of structurally disadvantaged social groups report more frequent exposure to a variety of negative life events and chronic strains, yet little research has examined whether similar patterns exist for anticipatory stressors, or challenging circumstances that loom as potential threats in the future. This study uses data collected as part of a national survey of college seniors (N = 995) to examine how anticipatory stress regarding economic and residential security, exposure to traumatic events, and experiences of discrimination vary by gender identity, race-ethnicity, sexual orientation, and first-generation college student status. Consistent with stress theory, anticipatory stressors are more commonly reported by members of disadvantaged groups. Notably, variation in anticipatory stressors explains a nontrivial proportion of differences in depressive symptoms found across gender identity and sexual orientation categories. Findings signal the necessity of incorporating anticipatory stressors into research in the stress paradigm to further disentangle the contributions of social stressors to health disparities.

Police Encounters as Stressors: Associations with Depression and Anxiety across Race

“…Similarly, avoiding the police because of forecasted negative encounters was associated with depressive symptoms among Black men in Washington, D.C. (Bowleg et al 2020). The anticipation of experiencing a stressor results from both group and individual circumstances, social conditions, statuses, and identities that increase the likelihood of stress exposure (DeAngelis 2020; Grace 2020; Pearlin and Bierman 2013). Living in a context in which exposure to police brutality is likely or anticipated matters for individual well-being even if individuals themselves are not personally exposed.…”

Working Differently or Not at All: COVID-19’s Effects on Employment among People with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions

“…The jobs in question are often non-union jobs with fewer benefits that do not necessarily guarantee long-term financial security. Moreover, the sense of insecurity experienced in these jobs itself constitutes a source of stress that can have negative independent health and mental health effects (Grace 2020; Kahn and Pearlin 2006; Thoits 2010). Thus, the precarious jobs that people with disabilities and chronic health conditions disproportionately find themselves in further exacerbate health inequalities.…”

Aspiring to Do All Things Through Him Who Strengthens? Quixotic Hope, Religiosity, and Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood

“…Reynolds et al 2019) and from an early age, children are encouraged to set formidable goals for their future selves to achieve. Building on work within the psychological tradition and the stress process model (Conroy 2001; Greenaway et al 2015), this study considered the longitudinal effect of quixotic hope, a form of anticipatory stress that is generally considered a chronic source of strain within the stress process model (DeAngelis and Ellison 2018; Grace 2020, 2021), on the mental health of youth in emerging adulthood. The potential stress-buffering role of two aspects of religiosity, religious attendance and closeness to God, were assessed.…”

“…Anticipatory stress is typically posited as a form of chronic stress. It has found to be associated with higher depression (DeAngelis 2018; Grace 2020, 2021; Greenaway et al 2015), as well as increases in cardiovascular and neuroendocrine activity (DeAngelis 2020).…”