About this srcd poster session

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Panel information
Panel 7. Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Abstract

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Rates of mental health issues have increased steadily among young people in recent decades (WHO, 2023), and this trend is particularly concerning for racialized youth who are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems due to being targets of discrimination based on race or ethnicity, relative to those who seldom experience such discrimination (Tobler et al., 2013). As solution-focused research in this area evolves, increasing attention is being paid to the factors that may mitigate the effects of discrimination (e.g., Hatchel et al., 2019). Among these factors, social support has been recognized as a significant protective factor in mental health (e.g., Doane et al., 2023). Despite some evidence of the potential mitigating effects of social support, the literature shows mixed results and researchers have yet to identify if specific source(s) of support are critical for racialized youth in the context of discrimination (Ergin, 2021; Vera et al., 2020). To address the variability in findings, a comprehensive meta-analysis of the existing body of literature on the role of social support in the context of discrimination was conducted to better understand how supportive relationships are associated with the mental health of racialized adolescents (10-18 years old) and young adults (18-29 years old). Specifically, the present study examined the relationship between racial discrimination and internalizing symptoms among youth. The association between social support and internalizing symptoms was examined as well. Finally, the moderating role of sources of support (e.g., family, school, community), along with study characteristics (e.g., countries, publication type, and study design) and socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity) were explored in these associations.

Of 1,886 studies identified by searching six databases (e.g., PsychINFO, Sociological Abstracts), a total of 32 independent studies (consisting of 14,647 participants), meeting our inclusion criteria, were included in the meta-analysis (see Figure 1 and Table 1). Our team developed a coding sheet and each of the studies meeting our inclusion criteria was coded independently by two of the authors. Discrepancies in the coding were reviewed and discussed among the authors until 100% agreement was achieved. The extracted data were converted into correlations (rs) and the weighted effect size estimate was computed for each analysis. The results from random effect models indicated a significant positive association between racial discrimination and internalizing symptoms (r = .26, p < .001), with this effect being significant only for female youth (r = .23, p = .009). Social support had a significant negative effect on internalizing symptoms (r = -.16, p < .001), moderated by the source of support (Qb(4) = 12.31, p = .015) and significant only among female youth (r = -.10, p < .001). Socio-demographic and study characteristics were not significant moderators.

The findings provide empirical evidence for the detrimental effects of racism and the importance of social support for the psychological well-being of underrepresented racialized adolescents and emerging adults, particularly female youth, during key developmental periods. The present study offers critical insights for designing effective culturally sensitive programs and optimizing inclusive community-building efforts to foster their resilience.

Author information

Author	Role
Mrs. Farhin Chowdhury, McGill University	Presenting author
Chiaki Konishi, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University	Non-presenting author
Julia Tesolin, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University	Non-presenting author
Yan Liu, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University	Non-presenting author

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