Religious Involvement, Racial/Ethnic Disparities, and Depression: Exploring the Black-white Mental Health Paradox.

Previous research has shown that despite higher rates of poverty and race-based discrimination, Black Americans tend to report better mental health outcomes than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. This black-white mental health paradox has been attributed to greater religious involvement and associated health benefits among Black Americans. Data for this study come from a U.S. national sample (n = 1,259) who reported being sick in the past twelve months. Regression analysis indicates that Black American and Hispanic/Latino respondents reported lower levels of depressive symptoms. Frequent attendance at religious services and meetings is associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, but only for Black Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. Interestingly, the public and private dimensions of religion are positively associated with increased levels of depressive symptoms.