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Taylor HO, Taylor RJ, Tsuchiya K, Chatters L. Social Isolation, Self-Rated Health, and Self-Rated Oral Health among African Americans. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2024; 35:18-36. [PMID: 38661857 PMCID: PMC11058460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Social isolation is associated with worse health; however, few studies have examined the health effects of isolation among African Americans. The purpose of this study is to evaluate associations between social isolation and self-rated physical and oral health from the National Survey of American Life, a nationally representative sample of African Americans. Social isolation was operationalized to reflect both objective isolation (lack of contact) and subjective isolation (lack of emotional closeness). Self-rated physical and oral health were regressed on objective and subjective isolation while controlling for marital status, gender, age, family income, education, and health behaviors. Poorer self-rated physical health was associated with objective isolation, while poorer self-rated oral health was associated with subjective isolation. This study contributes to the small literature of the impact of social isolation on health among African Americans; furthermore, it is the first to examine the relationship between isolation and self-rated oral health in this population.
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Parnell RN, Lacey KK, Wood M. Coping and Protective Factors of Mental Health: An Examination of African American and US Caribbean Black Women Exposed to IPV from a Nationally Representative Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15343. [PMID: 36430062 PMCID: PMC9690353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Existing research continues to highlight the harm that intimate partner violence (IPV) can pose to health and well-being. However, little is done to understand the effectiveness of coping and protective mechanisms in helping women manage under adverse circumstances. The current study addresses the mental health of US Black women and the role of coping and protective moderators. An analysis of data from the National Survey of American Life (2001-2003), the most comprehensive survey on the health of US Blacks, was conducted. The association between severe physical intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes were confirmed. Resilience moderated the relationship between severe intimate partner violence and mood disorder among US Black women, but this differed between African American and Caribbean Blacks. Resilience, emotional family support, and spirituality reduced the likelihood of having a mental health condition for some African American and Caribbean Black women, while the opposite was found for religiosity. Demographic factors were also associated with mental health conditions and behaviors. The study draws our attention to potential coping and protective mechanisms that could be incorporated into counseling and intervention practices while recognizing factors that may be harmful to the mental health of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina N. Parnell
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Krim K. Lacey
- Department of Sociology and African and African American Studies, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
| | - Maxine Wood
- Department of Humanities, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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Taylor RJ, Chatters LM, Cross CJ, Mouzon DM. Fictive Kin Networks among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2022; 43:20-46. [PMID: 35422538 PMCID: PMC9004625 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x21993188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Using data from the National Survey of American Life, we investigated the social and demographic correlates of fictive kin network involvement among African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino Whites. Specifically, we examined the factors shaping whether respondents have fictive kin, the number of fictive present kin in their networks, and the frequency with which they received support from fictive kin. Eighty-seven percent of respondents had a fictive kin relationship, the average network size was 7.5, and 61% of participants routinely received fictive kin support. Affective closeness and contact with family, friends, and church members were positively associated with fictive kin relations. Age, region, income and marital and parental status were related to fictive kin network involvement, though these associations varied by race/ethnicity. Collectively, findings indicate that fictive kin ties extend beyond marginalized communities, and they operate as a means to strengthen family bonds, rather than substitute for family deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Christina J Cross
- Department of Sociology, Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University
| | - Dawne M Mouzon
- Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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Hills O, Shah D. Online health information seeking, medical care beliefs and timeliness of medical check-ups among African Americans. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:S0738-3991(20)30324-4. [PMID: 32616321 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the relationship among different types of internet sources for health, medical check-up beliefs and the timeliness of annual medical check-ups among African Americans, accounting for both health TV usage and health service use. METHODS Hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted on data from 1734 African Americans surveyed in the 2013 Consumer Health Multimedia Audience Research Systems national pharmaceutical study of 19,420 U.S. adults. RESULTS The results indicate a positive association between seeking health information on medical websites (β = 0.052, p = 0.04) and consumer-driven health sites (β = 0.066, p < 0.01), and the timeliness of check-ups among African Americans, an association not found in relation to mainstream or news-related sites. Health TV program use was not associated with timeliness of medical check-ups. Medical check-up belief is positively associated with seeking health info on consumer-driven health sites (β = 0.072, p < 0.01) but not on medical sites or on TV. CONCLUSION Seeking information on health-specific websites was associated with more timely check-ups in African Americans and more positive preventative medical care belief, even after controlling for traditional barriers, such as poor provider relationship. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health specific websites may provide an avenue for intervention to improve preventative care use in African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Hills
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
| | - Dhavan Shah
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, 5115 Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
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Lincoln KD, Lloyd DA, Nguyen AW. Social Relationships and Salivary Telomere Length Among Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:1053-1061. [PMID: 28486613 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A common mechanism underlying premature morbidity may be accelerated biological aging as reflected by salivary telomere length (STL). This study examined the extent to which social relationships, both positive and negative, can be protective or confer risk relative to biological aging. METHOD Data from the Health and Retirement Study and multiple regression were used to examine cross-sectional associations between STL, self-reported social support, and negative interaction (e.g., conflict, criticism) with family in a nationally representative sample of African American and non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adults (N = 4,080). RESULTS Social support from family was associated with shorter STL. Negative interaction with family had no main effect on STL but interactions characterized by high social support and more frequent negative interactions were associated with longer STL. Negative interaction with family was negatively associated with STL for African Americans and Whites but the magnitude of the effect was greater for African Americans. DISCUSSION Study findings highlight the role of social relationships in physiological deterioration among middle-aged and older adults and identify a potential mechanism whereby race is linked to accelerated biological aging. Findings highlight the importance of considering positive and negative aspects of social relationships to understand the consequences of social connections for cellular aging in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D Lincoln
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Donald A Lloyd
- University of Southern California, Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, Ohio
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Nazari S, Afshar PF, Sadeghmoghadam L, Shabestari AN, Farhadi A. Developing the perceived social support scale for older adults: A mixed-method study. AIMS Public Health 2020; 7:66-80. [PMID: 32258190 PMCID: PMC7109536 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Social support has an important impact on the well-being of the elderly. Some studies have shown that perceived social support is more important than received social support. Perceived social support has different definitions across different age groups and cultures. So, this sequential exploratory mixed-method study was designed to develop and validate a perceived social support scale for community-dwelling elderly. In the qualitative phase, the perspectives of the elderly on perceived social support were defined through directed content analysis. Then, an extensive item pool was designed based on the elderly's perception and review of the literature. In the quantitative phase, the validity (content, face, and construct) and reliability (internal consistency, stability) of the newly developed scale was assessed using the sampling of five hundred elderly. The final scale consists of 34 items with domains of “emotional support”, “practical support”, “spiritual support”, “negative interactions” and “satisfaction with support received” that explained 58% of the total variance of the scale. The internal consistency varied from Cronbach's α = 0.70 to 0.87 for the subscales and as 0.92 for the whole scale. The study showed that the scale as a valid and reliable instrument can be used for the proper measurement of perceived social support among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Nazari
- Department of Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouya Farokhnezhad Afshar
- Department of Gerontology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Tehran Institute of Psychiatry), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Sadeghmoghadam
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, Social Development and Health Promotion Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Alireza Namazi Shabestari
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Farhadi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Evans N, Sheu JJ. The Relationships Between Perceived Discrimination and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. J Immigr Minor Health 2018; 21:1241-1247. [PMID: 30460583 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although all ethnic/racial groups underutilize mental health services, only about one-third of African Americans and Caribbean Blacks in need utilize mental health services. An extensive literature review led us to examine if an association between perceived discrimination and mental health utilization exists. The National Survey of American Life 2001-2003 nationally representative dataset was analyzed. Variables including utilization of mental health services, perceived discrimination, and socio-demographic variables were assessed for their relationships. The study found that each of the following predictors statistically significant: being male, being employed, having household income higher than 100,000, perceiving no discrimination, being African American, or being Caribbean Black are less likely to utilize mental health services than their counterparts. This study contributes to the emerging body of evidence demonstrating that perceived discrimination has a strong connection with the utilization of mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na'Tasha Evans
- School of Health Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Jiunn-Jye Sheu
- School of Population Health, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street MS#119, Toledo, OH, 43606-3390, USA.
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Cross CJ, Nguyen AW, Chatters LM, Taylor RJ. Instrumental Social Support Exchanges in African American Extended Families. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2018; 39:3535-3563. [PMID: 30083024 PMCID: PMC6075685 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x18783805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Cross
- Department of Sociology, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106,
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109,
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Cross CJ, Taylor RJ, Chatters LM. Family Social Support Networks of African American and Black Caribbean Adolescents. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2018; 27:2757-2771. [PMID: 30344428 PMCID: PMC6190710 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-018-1116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Cross
- Department of Sociology, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Ethnic and Gender Differences in Family Social Support among Black Adolescents. Healthcare (Basel) 2018; 6:healthcare6010020. [PMID: 29498638 PMCID: PMC5872227 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines black adolescents' reports of the most helpful types of social support that they receive from and provide to family members, and whether family support exchanges vary by ethnicity (African American vs. Black Caribbean) and gender. Data for this study are from the National Survey of American Life Adolescent Supplement (NSAL-A), a national, probability sample of African American and Black Caribbean youth (ages 13-17). Overall, youth reported financial support, followed by emotional assistance and practical support as the most helpful types of support that they received. Practical and emotional assistance characterized the most commonly reported types of support that they provided to family members. Black Caribbean adolescents were more likely than African American adolescents to report financial and practical assistance as the most helpful types of support that they received from family members; no ethnic differences were observed in the provision of support to relatives. There were no significant gender differences in the receipt of support, but adolescent girls reported greater involvement in providing emotional support and caregiving than adolescent boys. The results of this paper reveal that African American and Black Caribbean adolescents are involved in a complex pattern of reciprocal support exchanges with their extended family members. Study findings also reinforce the importance of research focused on racial/ethnic and gender differences in family support exchanges in order to develop a more nuanced understanding of family support behaviors within these groups.
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Watkins DC, Wharton T, Mitchell JA, Matusko N, Kales H. Perceptions and receptivity of non-spousal family support: A mixed methods study of psychological distress among older, church-going African American men. JOURNAL OF MIXED METHODS RESEARCH 2017; 11:487-509. [PMID: 28943829 PMCID: PMC5606206 DOI: 10.1177/1558689815622707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the role of non-spousal family support on mental health among older, church-going African American men. The mixed methods objective was to employ a design that used existing qualitative and quantitative data to explore the interpretive context within which social and cultural experiences occur. Qualitative data (n=21) were used to build a conceptual model that was tested using quantitative data (n= 401). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an inverse association between non-spousal family support and distress. The comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis fit index, and root mean square error of approximation indicated good model fit. This study offers unique methodological approaches to using existing, complementary data sources to understand the health of African American men.
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Abstract
Although Black Americans have lower prevalence of depression compared to non-Hispanic Whites (10% vs. 17%), they are nearly twice as likely to have worse outcomes. One contributor to poor depression outcomes involves the ways in which Black Americans seek help for depression. However, little is known about depression help-seeking behavior, and the use of multiple sources of help, among Black Americans. This study used latent class analysis to identify unique constellations of depression help seeking, from multiple sources, among African American and Black Caribbeans. Results indicated four profiles of depression help seeking including Informal/Primary Care Utilizers (41.4%), Formal Mental Health Utilizers (40.6%), All Support Utilizers (9.8%), and Mixed Source Utilizers (8.2%). The constellation of each profile and demographic differences in class assignment are discussed. Results have implications for tailored depression interventions for Black Americans including community-based psychoeducation and cultural competence training for mental health providers.
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13
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Forsythe-Brown I, Taylor RJ, Chatters LM, Govia IO, Matusko N, Jackson JS. Kinship Support in Jamaican Families in the USA and Jamaica. JOURNAL OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES (NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.) 2017; 21:187-202. [PMID: 29038650 PMCID: PMC5639907 DOI: 10.1007/s12111-017-9355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Ishtar O Govia
- Department of Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Niki Matusko
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - James S Jackson
- Institute for Social Research and Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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14
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Assari S, Caldwell CH. Low Family Support and Risk of Obesity among Black Youth: Role of Gender and Ethnicity. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2017; 4:E36. [PMID: 28498351 PMCID: PMC5447994 DOI: 10.3390/children4050036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Most studies on the role of family environment in developing risk of obesity among youth have focused on parenting behaviors that are directly involved in energy balance in regional, non-representative White samples. Using a national sample of ethnically diverse Black youth, the current study tested the association between low family support and risk of obesity. We also tested the heterogeneity of this association based on gender, ethnicity, and their intersection. We used data from the National Survey of American Life-Adolescent Supplement (NSAL-A), a national survey of Black adolescents in the United States. The study enrolled 1170 African American and Caribbean Black 13-17 year old youth. Obesity was defined based on the cutoff points of body mass index (BMI) appropriate for age and gender of youth. Family support was measured using a five-item measure that captured emotional and tangible social support. Age, gender, and ethnicity were also measured. Logistic regressions were utilized in the pooled sample, and also based on gender, ethnicity, and their intersection, to test the link between low family support and risk for obesity. RESULTS In the pooled sample, low family support was not associated with an increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.96-1.89). The association between low family support and risk of obesity was, however, significant among African American females (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.01-2.55). There was no association for African American males (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.82-1.92), Caribbean Black males (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.01-54.85), and Caribbean Black females (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.42-1.44). In conclusion, policies and programs that enable African American families to provide additional family support may prevent obesity among African American female youth. Future research should test the efficacy of promoting family support as a tool for preventing obesity among African American female youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Cleopatra Howard Caldwell
- Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
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Taylor RJ, Mouzon DM, Nguyen AW, Chatters LM. Reciprocal Family, Friendship and Church Support Networks of African Americans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life. RACE AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS 2016; 8:326-339. [PMID: 27942269 PMCID: PMC5142742 DOI: 10.1007/s12552-016-9186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This study examined reciprocal support networks involving extended family, friends and church members among African Americans. Our analysis examined specific patterns of reciprocal support (i.e., received only, gave only, both gave and received, neither gave or received), as well as network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) as correlates of reciprocal support. The analysis is based on the African American sub-sample of the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Overall, our findings indicate that African Americans are very involved in reciprocal support networks with their extended family, friends and church members. Respondents were most extensively involved in reciprocal supports with extended family members, followed closely by friends and church networks. Network characteristics (i.e., contact and subjective closeness) were significantly and consistently associated with involvement with reciprocal support exchanges for all three networks. These and other findings are discussed in detail. This study complements previous work on the complementary roles of family, friend and congregational support networks, as well as studies of racial differences in informal support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
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16
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Erving CL. Ethnic and Nativity Differences in the Social Support-Physical Health Association Among Black Americans. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 20:124-139. [PMID: 27646823 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0492-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite an abundant literature on social support and health, relatively less is known about how support and its impact on physical health vary within the Black population. Using the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), this paper examines which sources and types of support are associated with physical health among African Americans, U.S.-born Caribbean Blacks and foreign-born Caribbean Blacks. The results showed that for U.S.-born Caribbean Blacks, being married was especially beneficial to health. Closeness to family was associated with better health while negative interactions with family members was associated with worse health for African Americans and foreign-born Caribbean Blacks. Different sources of instrumental support affected all three groups. Overall, the findings reveal that, among Black Americans, the association between social support and physical health is contingent upon ethnicity, nativity, and the ways in which social support and health are operationalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy L Erving
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Fretwell Building 490L, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA.
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Nguyen AW, Taylor RJ, Chatters LM. Church-Based Social Support Among Caribbean Blacks in the United States. REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS RESEARCH 2016; 58:385-406. [PMID: 27942078 PMCID: PMC5142750 DOI: 10.1007/s13644-016-0253-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An emerging body of research notes the importance of church-based social support networks in the daily lives of Americans. However, few studies examine church-based support, and especially among ethnic subgroups within the U.S. Black population, such as Caribbean Blacks. This study uses data from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) to examine demographic and religious participation (e.g., attendance, interaction) correlates of church-based social support (e.g., receipt of emotional support, receipt of general support, provision of support to others, and negative interaction) among Caribbean Blacks residing in the U.S. Multiple regression analyses indicated that religious participation was associated with all four dependent variables. Church attendance was positively associated with receiving emotional support, general social support, and providing support to others, but was not associated with negative interaction. Frequency of interaction with fellow congregants was positively associated with receiving emotional support, receiving general support, providing support to others and negative interaction. Demographic findings indicated that women provided more support to church members and experienced more negative interactions with members than did men. Education was positively associated with frequency of support; household income was negatively associated with receiving emotional support and providing social support to others. Findings are discussed in relation to the role of church-based support networks in the lives of Caribbean Black immigrants and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Nguyen
- USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1150 South Olive Street, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90015
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Social Work and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Thornton MC, Taylor RJ, Chatters LM, Forsythe-Brown I. African American and Black Caribbean Feelings of Closeness to Africans. IDENTITIES (YVERDON, SWITZERLAND) 2016; 24:493-512. [PMID: 28943747 PMCID: PMC5606333 DOI: 10.1080/1070289x.2016.1208096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
African American and Black Caribbean relations dominate research on interactions across black ethnic divides. Using National Survey of American Life data, we explore a different aspect of black interethnic attitudes: how close these groups feel toward Africans. African Americans and Black Caribbeans were largely similar in their feelings of closeness to Africans. For Black Caribbeans, younger and male respondents, those reporting higher levels of financial strain, living in the northeast and persons who immigrated to the United States at least 11 years ago, report feeling especially close to Africans. Being male was the only significant correlate among African Americans. The findings are discussed in relation to how race, ethnicity and national origin shape personal identities within the U.S. and their significance for intergroup perceptions. These broader issues warrant further consideration in light of assertions that race as a defining feature of American life and intergroup relations is obsolete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Thornton
- Department of Afro-American Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Corresponding author
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health and School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ivy Forsythe-Brown
- Ivy Forsythe-Brown, Department of Sociology, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
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Sheffler J, Sachs-Ericsson N. Racial Differences in the Effect of Stress on Health and the Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support. J Aging Health 2016; 28:1362-1381. [DOI: 10.1177/0898264315618923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The current study examined racial differences in the relationship between late-life stress and health functioning and the moderating role of perceived social support (PSS) in older adults. Method: A biracial sample of community-dwelling older adults (65+) from the first two waves of the Duke University’s Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE; N = 2,952) was analyzed. Baseline levels of PSS and stress were obtained. Health status was assessed at baseline and follow-up. Results: Analyses revealed a positive effect of PSS on health functioning. There was a three-way interaction among race, stress, and PSS on health functioning. Probing the interaction, for Caucasians, PSS was beneficial at low stress, but not high stress. For African Americans, PSS had a positive effect regardless of stress level. Discussion: PSS is an important protective factor for preserving positive health in late-life; however, benefits may differ by race and intensity of stressor.
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Nguyen AW, Chatters LM, Taylor RJ, Mouzon DM. Social Support from Family and Friends and Subjective Well-Being of Older African Americans. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2016; 17:959-979. [PMID: 27212890 PMCID: PMC4869534 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-015-9626-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Nguyen
- School of Social Work, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Room 3269 East Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Public Health, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Room 3818 SPH I, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 South University Avenue, Room 3778 SSWB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Dawne M Mouzon
- Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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