Perceived discrimination and the adjustment of African American youths: a five-year longitudinal analysis with contextual moderation effects

Child Dev. 2006 Sep-Oct;77(5):1170-89. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00927.x.

Abstract

Longitudinal links between perceived racial discrimination and later conduct problems and depressive symptoms were examined among 714 African American adolescents who were 10-12 years old at recruitment. Data were gathered 3 times over a 5-year period. Hypotheses were tested via latent curve modeling and multiple-group latent growth modeling. Increases in perceived discrimination were associated with increased conduct problems and depressive symptoms. This association was weaker when youths received nurturant-involved parenting, affiliated with prosocial friends, and performed well academically. For conduct problems, the association was stronger for boys than for girls; for depressive symptoms, no gender differences emerged. The findings thus identify contextual variables that moderate the contribution of perceived discrimination to African American youths' adjustment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Black or African American*
  • Child
  • Conduct Disorder / epidemiology
  • Conduct Disorder / psychology
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Family / psychology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Prejudice*
  • Social Adjustment*