UCLA

Objective. This study assesses the impact of health and caregiving-related strain on depressive and anxiety symptoms and evaluates how variation in stress exposure, health behaviors, and coping resources account for outcome differences among African Americans. Method. Data are from a community study of residents from Miami-Dade County, Florida. The sample used in this study included 573 African Americans. Results. Among African Americans, health and caregiving-related strain was a significant predictor of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The elevation in risk was mostly explained by exposure to social stressors. Discussion. Findings demonstrate the importance of stress exposure, health behaviors, and coping resources in shaping the relationship between health and caregiving-related strain and mental health among African Americans.