Exploring the effects of racial discrimination on the mental health and parenting satisfaction of African American fathers : a mixed methods study
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- J. Dontae Roberts (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Jay Poole
Abstract: Purpose: This study explored the effects of racial discrimination on the mental health and parenting satisfaction of African American fathers. Secondary data was used using the ADD Health dataset; mental health was operationalized as depression and anxiety (n=146). Standardized scales were used for both. Through qualitative methods, this study sought to explore how their mental health is affected when exposed to racism, how African American fathers define racism, and the use of racial socialization (n=15). Methods: This two-phase, sequential explanatory study used secondary data and qualitative data collection and analyses. The study’s first phase was twofold: (a) to determine if racial discrimination affects mental health (stress and depression), and (b) to determine if racial discrimination affects parenting satisfaction when mental health is impacted (N=146). In the study’s second phase, qualitative interview methods were employed with a subsample (N=15) of participants. Data Analysis: SPSS version 22 was used to analyze quantitative data. The reliability of each measure for the population was determined by re-establishing psychometric characteristics for all scales. The confidence in the reliability of the instruments had an internal consistency reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of a=.70 or higher. I used multivariate multiple regression analysis (MRA) in phase I on both quantitative questions. Using the secondary dataset, ADD Health, I explored the relationship between the independent variable, racial discrimination, and the dependent variables, stress, depression, and parenting satisfaction. I also analyzed the role of the covariates income and education. The qualitative phase was also twofold: (a) to further explore and uncover how the significant factors identified in phase I of the study contributed to (i.e., supported or impeded) African American fathers’ mental health, and (b) to provide a means for “showing the human faces behind the numbers” (Patton, 2002, p. 152) in a way that is contextually grounded and sensitive to the complex circumstances that shape the experiences of African American fathers (Conner & White, 2006; Cabrera et al., 2004), and to provide participants with an opportunity to share their lived experiences as African American fathers that have experienced racism. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that the final sample consisted of 146 African- American males with children with varying education levels and income ranges. Bivariate analyses showed significant positive relationships between racial discrimination, perceived stress, and depression. However, racial discrimination was not significantly related to parenting satisfaction. The results indicated that racial discrimination is significantly related to perceived stress and depression while controlling for education level and income. Research Question 2 focused on whether mental health mediates the relationship between racial discrimination and parenting satisfaction. Sobel tests were conducted but did not yield statistically significant mediation effects for either perceived stress or depression. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: (a) experiences of racial discrimination in various life domains; (b) impacts on parenting discussions about race; (c) experiences of racism influencing outlooks; (d) impacts on family dynamics, relationships, and social interactions; and (e) emotional responses to racism leading to seeking control over self/environment. Implications: The analysis of laws and policies related to African American men raises concerns regarding insufficient representation and input of African American fathers in decision- making processes. This lack of diverse perspectives can lead to policies that fail to fully address the challenges faced by African American fathers and their families. Racial bias and discrimination within these policies perpetuate disparities within the criminal justice system, resulting in overrepresentation, harsher treatment, and longer sentences for African American fathers. The overemphasis on punitive measures limits opportunities for familial connection and support. African American men also face racial profiling, biased policing, and sentencing disparities, particularly due to policies like the War on Drugs that disproportionately target communities of color. Mass incarceration further hinders stable family relationships and economic stability for African American fathers. Concerns arose around policies such as The Welfare-Child Support System and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which lack comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of African American fathers. These policies inadvertently reinforce systemic barriers, limiting access to education, employment, and housing. The recommendations for TANF include establishing a federal minimum benefit, barring mandatory work requirements, and addressing funding inequities. Addressing these issues requires acknowledging the historical context, community mobilization, policy reform, and implementation to promote equality and fair treatment. Policy efforts should focus on criminal justice reform, employment discrimination, healthcare access, and education. Additionally, support in economic empowerment, healthcare access, and culturally competent therapy can contribute to positive mental health outcomes for African American fathers. By dismantling systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity, social work can better support African American fathers, strengthen family dynamics, and foster community resilience.
Exploring the effects of racial discrimination on the mental health and parenting satisfaction of African American fathers : a mixed methods study
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Created on 5/1/2024
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2024
- Keywords
- Epigentics, Fatherhood, Mental Health, Perceived Stress, Race Based Trauma, Racial Discrimination
- Subjects
- African American fathers $x Mental health
- Fatherhood $x Psychological aspects
- Racism $x Psychological aspects
- Stress (Psychology)