McCracken, K., Fenelon, E., Bieniak, K., Paredes Cienega, P., & Tran, S. T. (2025, April 10-12). Discrimination and mental health in emerging adults with chronic pain. [Poster Presentation]. Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, IL. 

Title:  Discrimination and Mental Health in Emerging Adults with Chronic Pain

Problem or Major Purpose: Emerging adults with chronic pain are at increased risk for mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression (Twiddy et al., 2017). It is unknown how social stressors such as discrimination may exacerbate mental health symptoms. Existing research leaves a gap for understanding those transitioning from childhood to adulthood; as well as in examining and understanding the unique intersectionality of how discrimination, racial identity, and gender identity also affect mental health outcomes.   This study aimed to examine the impact of discrimination, race, and gender on anxiety and depression in emerging adults with chronic pain.

Methods: Undergraduate students in psychology courses with chronic pain (N= 229) completed self-report measures assessing pain, discrimination, anxiety, depression, and demographic information, including, sex assigned at birth, gender identity (“man or boy”, “woman or girl”, and “other gender identity”), racial and ethnic identity, and age. Correlations were conducted to explore relationships between discrimination, anxiety, depression, and usual and worst pain. Lastly, one-way ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in mental health outcomes across racial groups and gender identities.

Results: Within students with chronic pain, correlations were found between discrimination and both anxiety ( r = .23, p = .001) and depression ( r = .18, p = .005). Anxiety and depression were also highly correlated (r = .615, p < .001). Discrimination, anxiety, and depression were all positively correlated with usual and worst pain; r range = .14-.34, all p < .05).Gender identity significantly influenced mental health outcomes, with emerging adults who identified as “other gender identity” reporting significantly higher anxiety (M = 14.35, SD = 5.70; F(2, 226) = 4.90, p = .008) and depression (M = 60.55, SD = 10.10; F(2, 226) = 5.21, p =.006) compared to those who identify as “man or boy” (M = 9.43, SD = 5.57 and M = 53.59, SD = 6.80, respectively). No significant differences were found in anxiety and depression across racial groups.  

Conclusions and Implications: These findings suggest that discrimination may worsen mental health outcomes and intensify pain among emerging adults with chronic pain. The significant differences in anxiety and depression as they relate to gender identity highlight the importance of considering gender-specific mental health needs and outcomes.  Overall, the results highlight the importance and need of addressing discrimination and providing culturally sensitive and inclusive mental health care to help improve the well-being of emerging adults managing chronic pain.

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