Citation

Motley ROJ, Chen YC, Motley JD. Soc. Work Res. 2023; 47(2): 125-134.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/swr/svad005

PMID

37197700

PMCID

PMC10183966

Abstract

Anxiety, depression, and psychological distress are public health concerns for Black emerging adults ages 18-29, given their prevalence in this population. However, we have scant empirical research investigating the prevalence and correlates of negative mental outcomes among Black emerging adults with a history of exposure to police use of force. Thus, the current study examined the prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being and how they vary among a sample of Black emerging adults with a history of direct or indirect exposure to police use of force. Computer-assisted surveys were administered to a sample of Black emerging adults (N = 300). Univariate, bivariate, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Black women with a history of direct or indirect exposure to police use of force had significantly less favorable scores on the depression and anxiety scales compared with Black men. Study findings suggest that Black emerging adults, particularly women, with a history of exposure to police use of force are at risk of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes. Future research with a larger and ethnically diverse sample of emerging adults that examines the prevalence and correlates of adverse mental health outcomes and how they vary by gender, ethnicity, and exposure to police use of force is warranted.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; violence; emerging adults; Black people; police use of force