Anomie, the Great Recession, and Racial Differences in Depression

• In Event: 2455 - Race, Ethnicity, and Mental Health: Critical Issues

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between the Great Recession and depression among U.S. adults. Guided by Durkheim’s theory of anomie and using data from the 2011-2013 Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) study, the analysis uses logistic regression to assess the likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms related to negative recession experiences. Consistent with the expectations of the theory of anomie, the results show that negative recession experiences have a strong influence on the likelihood of respondents experiencing depression. Indeed, negative recession experience is the most powerful predictor of depressed affect. This research also examines the relationship between race and mental health, especially during periods of economic contraction. Consistent with the “mental health paradox,” it finds that African Americans were less likely than were their White counterparts to experience depressive symptoms after the economic decline. Net of other factors, Blacks were about half as likely to report experiencing depression compared with Whites. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Authors

• Loren Henderson, University of Maryland-Baltimore County

• Richard Greg Moye, Winston Salem State University