Perceived discrimination, medical mistrust, and identity gaps in black maternal healthcare communication

BACKGROUND: The current study sought to understand the role of identity in explaining the relationship between perceived discrimination, medical mistrust and maternal healthcare communication satisfaction. METHODS: Black individuals (N = 160) who had recently given birth in a US hospital participated in an online survey based on the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI). RESULTS: A path analysis indicated that, as hypothesized, identity gaps (i.e. discrepancies between one's personal identity and one's communication behaviors or perceived ideas of their roles in relationships and society) explained the relationship between perceived discrimination, medical mistrust, and communication satisfaction. CONCLUSION: These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the CTI and how clinicians, policymakers, and community organizations can use this theoretical framework to inform decision-making and reduce Black maternal health communication disparities in US healthcare.