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Residential segregation and Black-White differences in physical and mental health: Evidence of a health paradox?

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  • Smith, Nicholas C.

Abstract

Ample research finds that residential segregation is detrimental to Black Americans' physical health and exacerbates Black-White physical health disparities. However, less is known about how residential segregation may influence Black Americans' mental health and Black-White differences in mental health. Drawing on U.S. census data and a state representative study of Indiana residents (N = 2,685), I examine associations between residential segregation and multiple dimensions of physical and mental health. Consistent with past research, I find that residential segregation has an adverse association with physical health among Black respondents. In contrast, I find residential segregation to have a salubrious association with Black respondents’ mental health, producing a Black mental health advantage at higher levels of segregation. I conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for research on residential segregation and health and the Black-White mental health paradox.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, Nicholas C., 2024. "Residential segregation and Black-White differences in physical and mental health: Evidence of a health paradox?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:340:y:2024:i:c:s0277953623007748
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116417
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Douglas Massey & Jonathan Tannen, 2015. "A Research Note on Trends in Black Hypersegregation," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(3), pages 1025-1034, June.
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    5. Jackson, J.S. & Knight, K.M. & Rafferty, J.A., 2010. "Race and unhealthy behaviors: Chronic stress, the HPA Axis, and physical and mental health disparities over the life course," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(5), pages 933-939.
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    1. Robinette, Jennifer W. & Campos, Belinda, 2024. "Depression risk and resilience in a diverse sample of older adults in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
    2. Wade, Kirsten L. & Kramer, Michael & Ku, Benson, 2025. "Social-spatial residence patterns and adolescent mental health: Investigating the influences of residential segregation, neighborhood social cohesion, and race on persistent, distressing psychotic-like experiences in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 386(C).

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