Intersectionality of Ethnic Identity, Emotion Regulation, and Attitudes Toward Women Among Black Adolescents with Mental Illnesses

Background:  The ability to effectively manage emotions is a key developmental task that contributes to a sense of well-being, self-efficacy, and better health outcomes. The literature reports that positive  ethnic identity and attitudes toward women can predict effective self-management of emotions, as reflected by regulation of  behavior during feelings of sadness or anger. The purpose of our study is to investigate the associations among ethnic identity, emotions management, and attitudes toward women, in an understudied population of Black adolescents (14 to 17 years) with mental illnesses. Intersectionality is the theoretical framework that will inform interpretation of the results.

Methodology: We adopted a secondary data analysis approach from Black adolescents who participated in a study that aimed at developing an HIV/STI prevention program (N = 92). Data are being analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation), bivariate analyses (chi-square), and multiple regression analysis to account for the variation in attitudes towards women as explained by ethnic identity (pro-Black; anti-White; racism awareness), and emotions management (anger, sadness) and how these relationships vary by gender.

Results: Data analysis will be completed by March 2015.

Conclusions: The findings of this study will provide preliminary tools for public health nurses to understand associations and intersectionality among ethnic identity, emotions regulation, and attitudes toward women in this population and their implications for health. The findings will help identify interventions to reduce negative attitudes towards women and to promote better coping mechanisms and healthy relationships in Black adolescents with mental illnesses.