Longitudinal study of the cascading effects of racial discrimination on parenting and adjustment among African American youth

Attachment theory posits that parenting plays akey role in children's attachment and subsequent development. Given the normativity of racial discrimination on everyday life experiences of African American families, there is a need to integrate historical and socio-environmental processes in studies to understand how minoritized parents raise secure and stable children. Results from the current study revealed direct associations between mothers' reports of discrimination and heightened depression and anxiety. Maternal discriminatory experiences were indirectly associated with more negative parenting and compromised parent-child relationship quality, through mothers' psychological functioning. Elevated emotional and behavioral management problems among youth were directly associated with exposure to racial discrimination. Exposure to discrimination during middle childhood facilitated adapted or learned strategies to manage similar situations as youth transitioned into adolescence, with reduced patterns of depressive symptomology. No significant gender effects emerged. Implications for theoretical advancement and future research are provided.

Automated summary

The study shows that maternal experiences of discrimination have direct effects on their mental health, which in turn indirectly influences parenting styles and parent-child relationship quality. Adolescents facing racial discrimination may experience emotional and behavioral management issues, but may also develop adaptive strategies to reduce depressive symptoms.