In This Issue

Abstract

The influence of family, school, and religious social contexts on the mental health of Black adolescents has been understudied. This study used Durkheim’s Social Integration Theory to examine these associations in a nationally representative sample of 1,170 Black adolescents, ages 13-17. Mental health was represented by positive and negative psychosocial well-being indicators. Results showed that adolescents’ integration into family and school were related to better mental health. Additionally, commitment to religious involvement positively influenced mental health. Although the direct effect of religious involvement was inversely related to mental health, mediation analyses revealed a positive influence through religious commitment. Findings suggest a greater emphasis on all three social contexts when designing strategies to improve the mental health of Black adolescents.

Peer Victimization, Internalizing Problems, and Substance Use in Urban African American Adolescents in Chicago: The Relevance of the Self-Medication Hypothesis

“…Religious involvement provides opportunities for youth in gaining psychological and emotional support (Ellison, Musick, & Henderson, 2008) and forming positive peer and adult connections (Smith, 2003) in an environment where there are shared values and beliefs (Milot & Ludden, 2009). Research has also documented a positive association between religious involvement and better psychosocial adjustment among African American youth (Rose, Joe, Shields, & Caldwell, 2014;Wong, Rew, & Slaikeu, 2006). Thus, religious organizations could function as an important context for local and national advocacy for antibullying legislation as well as provide direct support to adolescents to help foster more adaptive coping mechanisms.…”