Date

6-17-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Joshua Hays

Keywords

Black-White Mental Health Paradox, Stress Appraisal Measure, self-esteem, PVQ-RR, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales - 21

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

This quantitative cross-sectional study explored the Black-White mental health paradox (BWMHP), which proposes that Black individuals have better or similar mental health than White individuals despite additional stressors, but the etiology of these differences has not been found. While self-esteem has been consistently found to differentiate Black and White adults in relation to the BWMHP, values have not been investigated. Therefore, using a total sample of 191 Black and 191 White American adults (N = 382), values were examined to determine whether they contribute to the differences in depression, stress, and anxiety, leading to better mental health. Chi-square tests of independence unveiled 14 significant relationships among demographic variables. Independent-samples t-tests revealed support for the BWMHP as White adults self-reported higher levels of depression (p = .001), anxiety (p = .030), and stress (p = .012) than Black adults. White adults reported higher levels of stress appraisal (p < .001) and lower levels of self-esteem (p < .001) than Black adults. Group differences emerged for six of the ten basic values (p < .05). MANOVAs revealed that higher scores on each higher-order value (p < .001) were associated with lower depression levels, while conservation (p = .014) was also associated with lower stress levels. Lastly, hierarchical multiple linear regressions indicated individual, rather than group differences, predicted depression and anxiety based on the incremental influence of stress, centrality stress appraisal, each higher-order value, and self-esteem. Better mental health is associated with higher levels of self-esteem and greater endorsement of values among Americans, regardless of race. Values influence mental health.

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