The role of ethnic identity in symptoms of anxiety and depression in African Americans

Abstract

Ethnic identity has been identified as a factor contributing to resilience and coping in African Americans. Ethnic identity includes positive feelings of ethnic affirmation and belonging, appreciation for one’s ethnic identity, and increased ethnic behaviors. This study examines the role of ethnic identity in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants were an adult student and community sample (N=572), administered the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES-D), State Trait Anxiety Inventory – state portion (STAI-S), and Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). Compared to European Americans, African Americans reported significantly greater depression and more negative state anxiety, as well as higher levels of ethnic identity. For African Americans, higher ethnic identity was correlated to reduced anxiety and depression, whereas this was not true for European Americans. Findings support the proposition that a strong, positive ethnic identity may serve a protective role among African Americans by moderating the relationship between discriminatory experiences and psychological well-being. An Afrocentric perspective may also contribute to reduced anxiety due to a greater emphasis on a present versus future-oriented worldview. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

The impact of childhood family functioning on anxious, depressive, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms in adulthood among African Americans

“…Ethnic identity has been found to serve as a potential buffer for psychological distress in ethnic minorities (Williams, Chapman, Wong, & Turkheimer, 2012). Specifically, in a community sample of adults, African Americans with a stronger ethnic identity reported lower anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas this relationship was not found in European American participants.…”

Testing Cognitive and Emotion-Focused Models of Worry in Black and White Samples

“…For example, others have suggested including assessments of acculturation, which has been shown to influence symptom expression (Carter, Sbrocco, & Carter 1996). Further, ethnic identity, which includes a sense of belonging and appreciation of one's ethnicity, has been implicated in anxiety reduction in African-Americans (Williams, Chapman, Wong, & Turkheimer, 2012). Religiosity has also been identified as protective factor against anxiety in African-Americans (Neal & Turner, 1991;Taylor, Chatters, & Jackson, 2007), and might also be incorporated into future conceptual model.…”

The Role of Psychosocial Resources in the Adjustment of Migrant Adolescents

“…Subsequent theory and research has highlighted the multidimensionality of the identity construct, and the importance, especially for members of ethnic minority groups, of achieving a clear and positive sense of their ethnic identity (Phinney & Ong, 2007;Rivas-Drake et al, 2014). Phinney and Ong cite Tajfel's (1981, p. 255) Drake et al, 2014;Williams, Chapman, Wong, & Turheimer, 2012) and in migrants (Nesdale, Rooney, & Smith, 1997), an effect that may be due to the role of ethnic identity in bolstering coping resources and reducing adverse effects of discrimination (Williams, Chapman, Wong, & Turkheimer, 2012).…”