Is degree attainment associated with serious psychological distress among Black men aged 24 and older?

This study examines the relationship between degree attainment and serious psychological distress (SPD) among Black men in the United States. Using the Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDoMH) framework, we investigated whether degree attainment serves as a protective factor against SPD and explored how individual factors (age, sexual orientation, state of health), socioeconomic factors (income and marital status), and substance use factors (marijuana use and alcohol use) modify this relationship.

We analyzed data from the 2022 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (n = 1,390 Black men aged 24 and older). SPD was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6 (K6) with scores ≥13 indicating SPD. Educational attainment was dichotomized as college graduate versus non-college graduate. Binary logistic regression was conducted to model SPD as a function of all predictor variables aligned with the SDoMH framework.

Approximately 11.8% (n = 130) of Black men experienced SPD in the past year. In bivariate analysis, degree attainment showed a trend toward association with SPD (p < 0.1), with college graduates showing lower prevalence (8.9%, n = 31) compared to non-college graduates (12.6%, n = 154). However, when adjusting for covariates, no significant relationship was detected between degree attainment and SPD. Younger Black men (ages 24-25) were over two times more likely to experience SPD than those 35 and older (OR = 2.37, p < .001). Gay and bisexual Black men reported higher levels of SPD than their heterosexual peers (OR = 0.48, p < .05). Black men who reported recent marijuana use were significantly more likely to experience SPD (OR = 2.53, p < .001).

The findings challenge traditional assumptions about education as a protective factor, supporting the 'minorities' diminished returns' hypothesis. Systemic racism and structural inequities may diminish the mental health benefits typically associated with higher education among Black men, highlighting the importance of developing culturally responsive mental health interventions.