Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7706-5844
Date of Award
12-14-2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Sierra Carter
Abstract
The current study examined the relationship between witnessing violence and racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and accelerated epigenetic aging in a non-treatment seeking sample of Black Americans. In addition to the direct effects of witnessing violence and experiences of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and accelerated epigenetic aging, analyses also assessed whether experiences of racial discrimination moderated the impact of witnessing violence on depressive symptoms and accelerated epigenetic aging. Partially in line with our hypotheses, witnessing violence and racial discrimination were found to predict depressive symptoms, but not accelerated epigenetic aging. Although no modifying effect was found for accelerated epigenetic aging, racial discrimination exacerbated the relationship between witnessing violence and depressive symptoms. This study adds to the current body of knowledge by identifying sociocultural factors that contribute to the well-being of Black Americans, and likely play a role in the persistent racial health inequalities experienced by Black Americans.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/32646035
Recommended Citation
Julian, Jacob, "The Impact of Witnessing Violence in the Context of Racism Among Black Americans: Depressive Symptoms and Accelerated Epigenetic Aging." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2022.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/32646035
File Upload Confirmation
1