Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Department
Sociology
Sub-Department
College of Arts and Sciences
First Advisor
Andrea K. Henderson
Abstract
Substantial associations between childhood economic hardship and adult mental health have been acknowledged within social science research. However, there is a scarcity of research examining this relationship among Black Americans, as well as the sociocultural factors that may assist Black Americans in dealing with the effects of childhood economic hardship. This study suggests that family structure, specifically maternal support, may be a significant resource for Black Americans in the face of early economic adversity and mental health outcomes. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of Black Americans, this study outlines a series of arguments linking childhood economic hardship, maternal support, and depressive symptoms among Black young adults. The results suggest some support for maternal support’s involvement in moderating – or buffering - the harmful effects of childhood economic hardship on depressive symptoms of Black Americans, specifically the familial context in which the maternal support is perceived. Study limitations are identified and several promising directions for future research are discussed.
Rights
© 2017, Mia Brantley
Recommended Citation
Brantley, M.(2017). Early Economic Hardship, Maternal Support, and Depressive Symptoms among Black Young Adults. (Master's thesis). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/4385