The dyadic effects of racial discrimination: Using latent class analysis to explore patterns of racial discrimination among Black parent–adolescent dyads.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines whether Black parents’ and adolescents’ experiences with racial discrimination (RD) combine to create distinguishable subgroups, whether demographic variables predicted membership into the derived subgroups, and whether membership into these subgroups influence parents’ and adolescents’ mental health and family social support. Method: Using data from Black parent–adolescent dyads (n = 401), a three-step latent class analytic approach was employed to examine study objectives. Results: Four distinguishable parent–adolescent subgroups were identified based on who experienced RD: (1) both parent and adolescent (parent–adolescent RD subgroup), (2) parent only (parent RD subgroup), (3) adolescent only (adolescent RD subgroup), and (4) neither parent nor adolescent (no parent–adolescent RD subgroup). Demographic variables did not predict membership into the subgroups. Parents and adolescents not exposed to RD generally had fewer psychological symptoms and more family social support than subgroups with RD exposure. The parent–adolescent RD subgroup conferred additional risk for poor mental health outcomes and less family social support for adolescents. Conclusions: Findings underscore the value of measuring patterns of RD and its consequences among family members. By not considering the influence of family members’ experiences, the negative psychological and social consequences of RD may be underestimated. This study highlighted that Black adolescents who also have parents who experience racial discrimination are at an increased risk for psychological distress and compromised familial social support. Focusing on the dyadic experience of racial discrimination can better inform prevention and intervention efforts aimed at promoting equity and justice for Black families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)