Unveiling the truths of depression: A comparative analysis exploring variations in stress exposure and vulnerability in depression for young black and white women

The social disparity in depression draws attention to how social location influences stress exposure and vulnerability and, in turn, psychological health. Stress exposure refers to the deleterious psychological effects of incessant contact with stress on mental health. Stress vulnerability refers to the coping strategies individuals draw upon to combat the harmful effects of stress on mental health. This research examines whether and how stress exposure and stress vulnerability differentially affect psychological depression across race for young women. Our research draws on the 2007 -2008 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Data. Using independent sample t-tests and ordinary least squares regression, we found significant differences in stress exposure, stress vulnerability, and psychological depression in young black and white women. Findings show there are significant differences in how stress exposure and vulnerability impact young black and white women. Young white women are affected by stress exposure and external and internal resources; however, for young black women only internal resources matter. Results also demonstrate that young black women report higher levels of stress exposure, stress vulnerability, and psychological depression than their white counterparts. Health educators can utilize these findings to (1) Identify coping strategies that may be more culturally appropriate for young women across race during stressful times and (2) empower marginalized social groups by informing them of the tools necessary to promote healthy outcomes.