Additive Benefits of Individual, Relational, and Community Factors on Physical- and Mental-Health Trajectories Among Black Americans

Abstract

Black Americans have demonstrated significant resilience in the face of stress caused by systemic oppression. This resilience is likely to stem from several factors across socioecological levels, including those internal to the individual (assets) and those external to the individual (resources), but existing work has yet to consider these within an integrated framework. To address this gap, in the current study, we used longitudinal data from 692 Black adults living in the rural southeastern United States to examine the univariate and multivariate effects of individual (religiosity and spirituality), relational (romantic partner support, general social support), and community (neighborhood support) factors on trajectories of depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and general health. Findings revealed univariate and multivariate effects on health, providing evidence of additive benefits from these assets and resources. Greater consideration of strengths and supports across socioecological systems may help inform enhanced preventive interventions for and promote health equity among Black Americans.