“being Black and Feeling Blue”: the Mental Health Consequences of Racial Discrimination

The association between racial discrimination and mental health was examined using Wave 2 (1987–1988) and Wave 3 (1988–1989) panel data from the National Survey of Black Americans (NSBA). Mental health status was assessed by psychological distress and depression. In cross-sectional analyses, the perception of * Direct all correspondence to Tony N. Brown, P.O. Box 1248, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248. RACE & SOCIETY, Volume 2, Number 2, pages 117–131. Copyright © 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. ISSN: 1090-9524. racial discrimination was related to high levels of psychological distress at Waves 2 and 3. Experiencing racial discrimination was marginally related to a high likelihood of depression at Wave 2. In longitudinal analyses, reports of racial discrimination at Wave 2 were associated with high levels of psychological distress at Wave 3. High psychological distress or depression at Wave 2 was not associated with reports of racial discrimination at Wave 3—indicating that poor mental health did not predict subjective reports (perceptions) of discrimination. The Discussion focused on possible directions for a more comprehensive program of research on mental health, stress, and experiences of racially based discrimination.