Congratulations to Dr. Donte Boyd who recently published the article “Authenticity, Racial Discrimination, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Young Black Men, United States, 2024” in the American Journal of Public Health. The novelty of this research lies in its examination of the role of perceived authenticity as a protective factor against the negative impacts of racial discrimination on mental health, specifically among young Black men. This research uniquely highlights how an individual’s sense of authenticity can buffer the effects of such discrimination, reducing both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation
“Understanding the power of perceived authenticity is crucial for empowering young Black men,” says Boyd. “Our research highlights that embracing one’s true self can significantly mitigate the burdens of racial discrimination, paving the way for better mental health outcomes.”
Check out the article to learn more about the methods used, results, conclusions and public health implications.