Race Differences in the Multiple Social Roles of Midlife Women: Implications for Mental Well-Being

An examination of the relationship between multiple role participation and the level of distress experienced by midlife African-American and white women. Data from the Health and Retirement Study regarding 2,699 women ages 55-64 show that more whites were married than African Americans. Further, African Americans were more likely to: be separated, unemployed, sick, and disabled; provide care to one of their own children, a parent, or a husband's parent; and provide at least 100 hours of care to a grandchild. White women were more likely to occupy more roles and to be homemakers. When other factors are controlled (eg, age, education), the results show no difference for either race. Higher levels of depression for African Americans appear attributable to their lower likelihood of being married and having fewer social roles than white women.