Examining Perceived Racial Discrimination, Poverty-Related Stress, and Psychological Functioning In Low Socioeconomic and Diverse Preadolescents
Open Access
Author:
Vaid, Esha
Graduate Program:
Psychology
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
July 15, 2020
Committee Members:
Martha Ellen Wadsworth, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Jose Angel Soto, Committee Member Theresa K Vescio, Committee Member Kristin Ann Buss, Program Head/Chair
Membership in a racial/ethnic minority group and of lower socioeconomic status are both individually and interactively associated with increased risk of developing poorer physical and psychological functioning in adolescents. This may be due in part to the elevated levels of stress associated with each group, racial discrimination and poverty-related stress. Although youth of color disproportionately represent the U.S. population living in poverty and regularly face both stressors, little is known about the combined impact of perceived racial discrimination and poverty-related stress on psychological functioning in youths. Therefore, this study examined the associations of perceived racial discrimination and poverty-related stress and their interaction with positive and negative aspects of psychological functioning in a sample of 98 diverse, low-income preadolescents and their parents. Perceived racial discrimination and poverty-related stress were significantly associated with psychological problems as reported by youth self-report and parent-report of the youth. The interaction of parent-reported perceived racial discrimination and poverty-related stress was significant as reported by the parent, in which the presence of both stressors exacerbated psychological problems. There was no link between perceived racial discrimination and poverty-related stress with positive aspects of psychological well-being. Considering models of both stressors as intersecting rather than additive may better explain mental health disparities that exist among at-risk youths.
