The Heterogeneous Effects of Neighborhood Racial Diversity on Depression: The Role of Interracial Dynamics

• In Event: 2224 - Emerging Issues in Mental Health

Abstract

Theories of intergroup relations largely predict racial diversity to be a source of stress. As a result, racially diverse neighborhoods have been thought to be associated with adverse mental health outcomes. However, changing demographic patterns towards a population comprised mostly of racial minorities demonstrate the need for a more nuanced understanding of diversity that recognizes the potential for heterogeneous outcomes between racial groups. Moreover, theories about racial stratification suggest individuals may experience diversity as more stressful than others depending on the position of their racial group relative to others present in the neighborhood. This paper tests the assumption that racially diverse neighborhoods exert uniform effects across individuals. Data from the Chicago Community Adult Health Survey are used to investigate how individual race and group size moderate the association between neighborhood racial diversity and depression. Results indicate that blacks and Latinos report less frequent symptoms of depression compared to whites within racially diverse neighborhoods. However, these racially diverse neighborhoods are composed mainly of non-white racial minorities. Results suggest that studies investigating racial diversity should ask who benefits and what groups are present.

Author

• Nelson Travis Saldana, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor