Authenticity, Racial Discrimination, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Young Black Men, United States, 2024.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To examine how perceived authenticity may buffer the impact of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young Black/African American men. <b>Methods.</b> In 2024, we collected data online in the United States using Qualtrics. Participants were 350 Black men aged 18 to 24 years (mean = 21.49; SD = 1.96), most of whom identified as heterosexual or straight and had completed a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. We measured suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, racial discrimination, and perceived authenticity through self-report questionnaires. <b>Results.</b> Authenticity reduced suicidal ideation (b = -0.24; <i>P</i> < .001) and depressive symptoms (b = -0.22; <i>P</i> < .001). An interaction effect emerged for suicidal ideation (b = -0.09; <i>P</i> = .045) but not depressive symptoms (b = 0.02; <i>P</i> = .58). <b>Conclusions.</b> Perceived authenticity served as a protective factor for young Black men. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Practitioners may consider incorporating strategies to enhance perceived authenticity as part of interventions aimed at improving men's mental health. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2025;115(9):1417-1425. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308148).