Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Use of an Eight-arm Radial Water Maze to Assess Working and Reference Memory Following Neonatal Brain Injury
Published on: December 4, 2013
The Mental Health Burden of Racial Discrimination in Young Adults in Rhode Island
Samantha R Rosenthal1, Abigail P Tobin2, Aisha Drammeh2
1Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI; Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI.
Objectives:
This study examined the association between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among Rhode Island young adults.
Methods:
The 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey recruited 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of the year. Multivariable logistic regression for depressive symptoms controlled for sexual and gender identity, race/ethnicity, social status, age, employment, and student status.
Results:
23.6% of young adults reported experiencing racial discrimination in childhood and/or adulthood. Odds of depressive symptoms increased for experiences of childhood racial discrimination (+70%; 95%CI: 14%, 155%) and any racial discrimination (+56%; 95%CI: 6%, 130%), but not for racial discrimination in adulthood (+38%; 95%CI: -8%, 108%).
Conclusions:
Experiences of racial discrimination increase odds of depressive symptoms among young adults. Prevention measures such as universal screening for childhood adversity, incorporating antiracism education into all institutional settings, and continued nondiscrimination policy and enforcement should be employed.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Surveys
Bullying
Bias in Epidemiological Studies

