Sleep disturbance mediates the relationship between perceived racism and depressive symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of racism on sleep disturbance and depression and to examine whether sleep disturbance mediates the effects of racism on depression.


METHODS
Cross-sectional questionnaire study.


METHODS
Community.


METHODS
168 Hispanic-American immigrants, 45% female, average age 33 years, average length of time living in the United States was 5 years.


METHODS
The Perceived Racism Scale for Latinos, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) Scale.


RESULTS
Using hierarchical linear regression analyses, perceived racism was related to increased sleep disturbance (b=.21, P<.01) and higher levels of depressive symptoms (b=.24, P<.01). When sleep disturbance was included in the regression equation, perceived racism was no longer a significant predictor of depressive symptoms (b=.10, nonsignificant), indicating that sleep disturbance mediated the relationship between perceived racism and depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This study adds to the research literature by identifying sleep disturbance as a potential pathway through which perceived racism may affect health.
Steffen
Patrick R
PR
Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University; 284 Taylor Building; Provo, UT 84602-8626, USA. steffen@byu.edu
Bowden
Matthew
M
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D011287:Prejudice; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States