A number of studies have focused on how patterns of depression vary across different
racial groups (Vega and Rumbaut 1991; Perreira et al. 2005). Because of a history of
discrimination in the United States, minorities often report feeling marginalized, having a lower
sense of control over their lives, and experiencing a lack of opportunities in the larger society
(Mirowsky and Ross 2003). Part of the reason for the association between being a racial minority
and depression can be attributed to lower socioeconomic status, but studies suggest that SES
does not fully account for higher rates of depression among minority youth (Roberts et al. 1997).
Given these higher rates of depression, are there factors in society that may provide a
buffer against depression for minority adolescents? One possibility that has received increased
attention is religion. Religious attitudes and involvement may have positive effects on adolescent
well-being resulting in lower delinquency, higher self-esteem, lower levels of distress, and fewer
suicide attempts (Wallace and Williams 1997; Regnerus 2003; Nooney 2005). These findings
suggest that religion may be important in promoting positive outcomes for adolescents.
Religiosity may be especially important for minority adolescents. Because minorities
often lack opportunity in the larger society, religious institutions may provide a place in which
minority adolescents can feel welcome and develop a sense of ethnic and cultural identity
(Lincoln and Mamiya 1990; Chong 1998; Hurtig 2000), as well as become better integrated into
society, all of which may provide a buffer against depression.
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between race, religiosity, and
depression among adolescents in the United States. The three central questions guiding this
research focus on whether religion provides a buffer against depression for minority adolescents
that helps to improve their well-being. First, are Black, Latino, and Asian adolescents more
depressed than white adolescents? Second, are religious participation, religious affiliation, and
3
Convention