Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Ijeoma Opara

Second Advisor

Olivia Kachingwe

Abstract

Introduction: Black girls’ mental health is significantly affected by the intersection of racism and sexism, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Ethnic identity can serve as a protective factor, fostering resilience and self-esteem, but difficulties with identity formation can increase vulnerability to mental health challenges. This paper explores the connection between ethnic identity, self-perceptions of Black hair, and mental health outcomes. Methods: Utilizing survey data from the Dreamer Girls project, which included a sample (N= 201) Black girls between the ages of 13-18 (M= 16), the study explores hair-esteem, ethnic identity, anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Hair-esteem is assessed through the Hairstyle Self-Esteem Scale, while mental health outcomes are measured using validated tools like the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Bivariate analyses were conducted using SAS to examine associations between self-perceptions of hair, mental health, and identity-related experiences. Results: Hair-esteem was significantly associated with depression (p = 0.012) and anxiety (p = 0.042). Ethnic identity did not show an association with any of the mental health outcomes. There was an association between ethnicity and depression (p = 0.057) and anxiety (p = 0.033) with certain racial ethnic groups reporting higher levels compared to others. There was no association between hair-esteem, ethnicity, and suicidal ideation and attempts. Conclusion: The findings presented in this study demonstrate that hair-esteem levels influence the severity of both depression and anxiety. Additionally, ethnicity was found to play a role in mental health—depression and anxiety in particular. Addressing these disparities, through tailored interventions and culturally competent mental health care is essential.

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This is an Open Access Thesis.

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