title: Afro-American women, poverty and mental health: a social essay.
abstract: The experience of poverty can be a risk factor for mental illness. Afro-American women are disproportionately represented among the poor, the majority of whom are single mothers and heads of households who are concentrated in the secondary labor market and the secondary welfare system. These economic and social factors can engender stress and can limit opportunities for its resolution or for the gratification of psychological needs. The consequences can range from mild emotional distresses to severe mental illnesses. Recommendations for improving mental health status include public mental health promotion and education programs, and social, economic and political actions such as increased and better quality employment opportunities and educational system reforms.
authors.affiliation: Chicago Department of Health, IL 60602.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D002668:Child Rearing; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008603:Mental Health; D011203:Poverty; D011632:Public Assistance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012847:Single Person; D012924:Social Conditions; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology