Racial Discrimination and Mental Health: Analyzing the Impact of Discrimination, Stress, Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem on Anxiety Experiences

Multiple contextual factors influence the relationship between race and anxiety. In particular, anxiety increases with lower rates of self-esteem and income. Conversely, anxiety increases with higher rates of stress, discrimination, and depressive symptoms. Social workers should consider each of these factors when treating patients presenting with symptoms of anxiety.