What is it about?
This study looks at how racism affects the mental health of Black adolescents, especially when it comes to symptoms of depression. We focused on how three key factors—bias preparation (teaching youth to expect and respond to unfair treatment), cultural socialization (instilling pride and knowledge about Black culture and identity), and self-control (youths’ ability to manage emotions and behavior)—help teens navigate these challenges. We found that when Black adolescents have strong family support through bias preparation and cultural socialization, combined with personal skills like self-control, they are better protected against the harmful effects of racism on their mental health.
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Why is it important?
Racism is a major source of stress for Black youth and contributes to higher rates of depression. By highlighting protective factors, this research provides guidance for parents, educators, and clinicians on how to build resilience. Our findings show that culturally grounded parenting practices and youth self-regulation skills can buffer against the harmful effects of discrimination. This means families and communities can play an active role in promoting positive mental health and reducing disparities among Black adolescents.
Perspectives
This research adds to the growing field of culturally informed psychology by showing how everyday parenting practices—like preparing children to deal with bias and fostering cultural pride—can protect against depression. It also underscores the importance of equipping youth with personal coping skills such as self-control. For practitioners, the study suggests that interventions should not only focus on reducing exposure to racism but also on strengthening family and individual protective factors. From a policy perspective, the work highlights the need for programs that empower Black families and equip youth with the tools to thrive despite systemic inequities.
Isha Metzger
Georgia State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Depression among Black adolescents navigating racism: The roles of bias preparation, cultural socialization, and self-control., Journal of Family Psychology, July 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/fam0001373.
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