An Investigation of Mental Well-Being of Black Men: Perceived Discrimination, Depression, Social Support, and Marital Satisfaction

Black Americans have long endured significant psychological distress due to racism and discrimination. Yet, limited research has examined how these stressors impact the mental health of Black males in the context of marital relationships. This study investigated the effect of perceived discrimination on depression in married African American men, examining whether marital satisfaction mediated this relationship and whether social support moderated it. Rooted in the historical legacy of systemic racism and modern forms of aversive discrimination, the study aimed to fill a gap in the literature concerning the intersection of race, gender, and mental well-being. Utilizing a diverse and well-educated sample of N = 114, findings revealed that perceived discrimination significantly predicted depressive symptoms. However, marital satisfaction did not mediate this relationship. Interestingly, social support functioned as a complex moderator as moderate levels were associated with lower depressive symptoms, while high levels correlated with increased symptoms. Despite elevated experiences of discrimination, participants reported relatively low depression levels, potentially due to protective factors such as marital stability, religious involvement, and higher socioeconomic status. These findings underscore the importance of culturally grounded, context-specific interventions and highlight the underutilized role of healthy marital relationships and community support in buffering the mental health effects of racism among Black men.