The role of experiential avoidance in the relation between racial discrimination and negative mental health outcomes. Issue 2 (8th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martinez, Jennifer H.; Eustis, Elizabeth H.; Arbid, Natalie; Graham-LoPresti, Jessica R.; Roemer, Lizabeth
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 461
• Page End: 468
• Publication Date: 2022-03-08
• Subjects: anxiety -- college students -- depression -- discrimination -- people of color; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1754221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective Racial discrimination has been shown to be associated with negative mental health outcomes among people of color (POC), and students of color (SOC) specifically. The current study examines experiential avoidance (EA) as a potential moderator in the relation between discrimination and mental health outcomes. Sample: Two-hundred students of color at a large, public university in Northeastern United States. Methods: We evaluated the associations between racial discrimination frequency and stress appraisal (GEDS and GEDS-A), EA (AAQ), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS). Results: Discrimination frequency and appraised stress were associated with each DASS subscale. EA moderated the relation between GEDS and depression, and between GEDS-A and the stress subscale. Conclusions: Discrimination frequency and appraised stress were positively associated with DASS subscales, and at low EA scores, frequency and appraised stress of discrimination were no longer associated with depressive or stress symptoms, respectively.