Disconnected and distressed: The moderating role of thwarted belongingness in the racism–depression link
Steven M. Sanders, Lorelei A.M. Inaba, Emily M. Nguyen, Aliya Zehra, Tiffany R. Williams
Journal of Affective Disorders1/1/2026·DOI·Read paper
Abstract
Objective
Black individuals in Western countries face disproportionately high rates of depression, exacerbated in recent years by sociopolitical and structural stressors. The present study examines the associations between racism—across recent, lifetime, and stress-related domains—and depressive symptoms among Black Americans. By introducing thwarted belongingness as a potential moderator, the study aims to expand existing literature by exploring how social disconnection may intensify the psychological impact of racism and contribute to elevated depression risk.
Methods
A total of 314 Black Americans completed an online survey assessing their experiences of racism, symptoms of depression, and perceptions of thwarted belongingness.
Results
The findings align with extant literature that there is a relationship between racism and depression. Regression analysis indicated support for the hypotheses that thwarted belongingness moderates the relationship between depression and racism for Black people. All domains of racism were positively associated with depressive symptomology Thwarted belongingness behaved as a statistically significant moderator of the racism-depression relationship. In other words, participants who felt more social isolation and disconnection experienced more depression derived from their experiences with racism.
Conclusions
Sense of belonging is crucial to Black people, as lacking that support can contribute to worsen depression and racism. These results highlight the compounded burden of racism and social disconnection, especially in a sociopolitical climate marked by diminishing support for equity and inclusion.
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