Abstract
Though gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in health in the United States are well documented, it is less clear how these
factors intersect to produce patterns of mental health outcomes among men. This study examined the presence of father figures
in the lives of African American, Caribbean black and non-Hispanic white American males until the age of 16; assessed the
current socio-demographic factors of these men as adults; and explored whether these factors lead to variations in mental
health outcomes. Regression models were used to examine the correlates of socio-demographic, psychosocial, and retrospective
father figure measures for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress among African American (n = 999), Caribbean black (n = 506), and non-Hispanic white men (n = 193) from the National Survey of American Life. Findings revealed racial and ethnic group differences by age, employment
status, education, and household income on depressive symptoms (measured using the CES-D scale) and non-specific psychological
distress (using the Kessler-6 scale). Findings suggested that being raised by a grandfather placed both African American and
Caribbean black men at greater risk for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress under certain socio-demographic
conditions. This study is unique in that it considers the influence of father figures on the mental health outcomes of adult
males across three racial and ethnic groups. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for future mental health research
and practice with men of color.
factors intersect to produce patterns of mental health outcomes among men. This study examined the presence of father figures
in the lives of African American, Caribbean black and non-Hispanic white American males until the age of 16; assessed the
current socio-demographic factors of these men as adults; and explored whether these factors lead to variations in mental
health outcomes. Regression models were used to examine the correlates of socio-demographic, psychosocial, and retrospective
father figure measures for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress among African American (n = 999), Caribbean black (n = 506), and non-Hispanic white men (n = 193) from the National Survey of American Life. Findings revealed racial and ethnic group differences by age, employment
status, education, and household income on depressive symptoms (measured using the CES-D scale) and non-specific psychological
distress (using the Kessler-6 scale). Findings suggested that being raised by a grandfather placed both African American and
Caribbean black men at greater risk for depressive symptoms and non-specific psychological distress under certain socio-demographic
conditions. This study is unique in that it considers the influence of father figures on the mental health outcomes of adult
males across three racial and ethnic groups. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for future mental health research
and practice with men of color.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s12552-011-9051-5
- Authors
- Daphne C. Watkins, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, USA
- Vicki Johnson-Lawrence, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
- Derek M. Griffith, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
- Journal Race and Social Problems
- Online ISSN 1867-1756
- Print ISSN 1867-1748