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Published on: July 10, 2017
Authenticity, Racial Discrimination, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Young Black Men, United States, 2024
Donte T Boyd1, Myles I Durkee1, Deon W Brown1
1Donte T. Boyd is with the College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus. Myles I. Durkee is with the Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Deon W. Brown is with the Program in the Human Development and Family and Sciences, Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, College of Education, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Andrea S. Constant is with the Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus.
Abstract:
Objectives. To examine how perceived authenticity may buffer the impact of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young Black/African American men. Methods. In 2024, we collected data online in the United States using Qualtrics. Participants were 350 Black men aged 18 to 24 years (mean = 21.49; SD = 1.96), most of whom identified as heterosexual or straight and had completed a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. We measured suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, racial discrimination, and perceived authenticity through self-report questionnaires. Results. Authenticity reduced suicidal ideation (b = -0.24; P < .001) and depressive symptoms (b = -0.22; P < .001). An interaction effect emerged for suicidal ideation (b = -0.09; P = .045) but not depressive symptoms (b = 0.02; P = .58). Conclusions. Perceived authenticity served as a protective factor for young Black men. Public Health Implications. Practitioners may consider incorporating strategies to enhance perceived authenticity as part of interventions aimed at improving men's mental health. (Am J Public Health. 2025;115(9):1417-1425. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308148).
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