Mental Health Among Black Youth Experiencing Socioeconomic Microaggressions

Abstract

Microaggressions, or subtle forms of discrimination, are associated with poor mental and physical health as well as chronic stress and disease. The current study sought to add to the microaggressions literature by exploring the effects of socioeconomic status (SES)-based microaggressions on the mental health of urban low-income adolescents. Data were collected from 291 adolescents in New York City regarding experiences with SES-based microaggressions and their association with mental health symptoms. Multiple regression models indicated that higher levels of agreement with experiences of SES microaggressions were positively associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, obsessive-compulsivity, and interpersonal sensitivity among Black youth. The association was not significant for White or LatinX youth. Implications for youth, families, and communities are discussed.