Abstract

Racial discrimination and racial microaggressions remain prevalent in the lives of undergraduates of color attending predominantly white colleges. Although racial discrimination and racial microaggressions can cause depression and anxiety in undergraduates of color, previous research suggests that religion and spirituality may lessen the negative effects of racial discrimination and racial microaggressions in undergraduates of color. This cross-sectional study examined whether religious involvement, religious support, religious coping, and spirituality moderated the effect of racial discrimination and racial microaggression on anxiety and depression. 48 participants completed a survey. Results showed that participants who experienced high levels of racial discrimination reported lower levels of anxiety. Participants who experienced high levels of racial microaggressions reported higher levels of depression as well as high levels of spirituality. Lastly, increased religious coping led to increased anxiety. Moderation analyses was not explored due to missing data. Future research could use different recruitment methods and offer incentives to increase participant responses.

Advisor

Hope, Meredith

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Religion | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

racial discrimination, racial microaggressions, religious involvement, religious support, religious coping, spirituality, anxiety, depression

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2023 Sharif J. McGee