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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Von Nebbitt, PhD, School of Social Work, Howard University, 601 Howard, Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20059, 202-806-4720, vnebbitt_@howard.edu

A number of studies have found relationships between peer affiliation and delinquent behavior, and depressive symptoms. However, little attention has been devoted to understanding how socioeconomic status (SES) and housing influence these relationships. This study assesses how the relationship between peers and behavior, and depressive symptoms is moderated by housing type among low SES African American adolescents.

A total of 238 African American adolescents were recruited from three public housing communities. Univariate, bivariate, and hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess prevalence of depressive symptoms and magnitude of relationships.

Differences were not detected for peer affiliation, delinquent behavior or depressive symptoms across housing types. Using CES-D, youth who reported above average delinquent behavior (M=26.5) and above average exposure to delinquent peers (M=23) report higher depressive symptoms than youth who scored below average (t= -8.44, p<.000 & t= -5.62, p<.000, respectively). The model explained 32 percent of the variance in depressive symptoms. Housing type, peer affiliation and delinquent behavior were directly related to depressive symptoms. The relationship between peer affiliation and depressive symptoms was moderated by housing type.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, attendees will understand

• The prevalence of depressive symptoms among African American adolescents in public housing;
• How peers and behavior impact depressive symptoms;
• How housing type influences the relationship between peers’ behavior and depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Mental Health, Public Housing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered