The ethno-racial patterning of depression and loneliness: new evidence from a diverse cohort of U.S. midlife adults.

OBJECTIVES

Mental health is a central concern for aging and well-being over the life course. This study examined ethno-racial patterns of depressive symptoms and loneliness among a diverse cohort of U.S. midlife adults to illuminate why some individuals age more successfully than others. Drawing on the Stress Process Model, we investigated whether these patterns persist after accounting for socioeconomic and relational stressors and social support resources.

METHODS

We used new Wave VI data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression were employed to document ethno-racial variation in depressive symptoms and loneliness among this cohort of midlife U.S. adults (N = 11,435; ages 39-50).

RESULTS

Multiracial adults initially reported slightly higher depressive symptoms and loneliness relative to White adults, but these differences were attenuated with adjustment for stressors and social support. Black adults exhibited poorer mental health than White adults descriptively, but better outcomes after adjusting for stressors and social support. Hispanic adults reported lower levels of depressive symptoms and loneliness than White adults net of sociodemographic covariates. Asian adults demonstrated no statistically significant differences from White adults.

DISCUSSION: Ethno-racial groups each display unique mental health patterns in midlife, possibly reflecting differences in how ethno-racial groups perceive and cultivate resources in response to stressors and adverse structural conditions. Future studies should continue to investigate the complex set of factors which shape the mental well-being and aging of the U.S. population.