Abstract

Few studies explore how multiple marginalized identities may influence co-occurring mental health conditions among Black autistic adults. This cross-sectional study examined how identity-related factors (private regard, autistic socialization, family ethnic socialization), Africultural coping, and masking predict anxiety and depressive symptoms among 155 Black autistic adults (18-35 years old). Regression results for the full sample indicated that more masking was significantly related to more anxiety and depressive symptoms, whereas Africultural coping predicted higher anxiety but fewer depressive symptoms. Among formally diagnosed participants, higher levels of autistic socialization and masking predicted more anxiety. For emerging adults (18-29), masking and autistic socialization predicted anxiety. However, for adults (30-35), only masking predicted depressive symptoms. Although environmental factors were not directly examined in this study, the results suggest that environmental contexts may play an important role in shaping identity development, and coping strategies. Consequently, this may influence the prevalence and presentation of mental health conditions among Black autistic adults. Future research should examine environmental influences to explain how identity and coping processes develop within broader social contexts.

Advisor

Hope, Meredith

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2026 Mikala Smith