Community-based stress, social support, and depressive symptoms among black adults: A mediation analysis

Guided by social disorganization theory, this study examines the extent to which social support mediates the relationship between community-based stressors and depressive symptoms among Black Americans. Social support is a key mechanism linking psychosocial community-based stressors to racial disparities in mental health. However, little research has explored various sources of social support—family, friend, and church—mediates these relationships. Using data from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (N = 623), this study employs OLS regression and structural equation modeling to assess whether social support explains the associations between community-based stressors and depressive symptoms. Results show family support fully mediates the impact of perceived neighborhood disorder, highlighting the critical role of familial networks in shaping mental health. These findings underscore the importance of family-centered health interventions and culturally relevant community programs designed to strengthen social support and mitigate the adverse effects of community stressors on mental health disparities. • Identified family support as key mediator between community stressors and depression. • Perceived neighborhood disorder linked to lower family and friend support. • Novel stepwise OLS and SEM approach to evaluate mediation effects. • Need for targeted community-based health interventions for Black families, not just individuals.