Work

Exploring gendered racism and the mental health of rural Black women

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Gendered racial microaggressions adversely impact Black college women’s mental health, but less is known about rural Black women’s mental health. Objective Examine the association between gendered racism, depression, and psychological distress. Methods This cross-sectional study included 200 rural Black women from the Southeastern United States. Gendered racism was assessed using the Gendered Racial Microaggressions scale (GRMS). Linear regression was used to assess GRM subscales, depression (PHQ-9) and psychological distress (K6) as outcomes. Results Of the 200, 21.5% reported depression and 31% reported moderate psychological distress. Depression increased with increasing stress appraisal of gendered racism, p = 0.002. Conclusion Gendered racial microaggressions impact the mental health of rural Black women.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1525165

Authors: Christina J. Ezemenaka, Wanda Martin Burton, Sharlene Newman

Institutions: University of Mississippi Medical Center, University of Alabama

Language: English

Topic: Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801