Interpersonal experiences and mental health among low-income Black and Latino adults

Mental health experiences among Black and Latino adults are shaped by complex social and interpersonal dynamics. This study examined how social support, interpersonal violence, and loneliness are associated with depressive and anxious symptoms among low-income Black and Latino adults in Camden, New Jersey. Using data from 453 participants (Mage = 52.43), regression analyses revealed that loneliness was the strongest predictor of both depressive and anxious symptoms, with a stronger effect for Latino participants. Interpersonal violence was also a significant predictor of mental health distress, while social support showed no significant association with depressive or anxious symptoms. No significant racial/ethnic differences were found in the associations between interpersonal violence and loneliness, but Latino participants reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of loneliness and interpersonal violence in shaping mental health, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address these issues and reduce disparities in Black and Latino communities.