"When you're in a crisis like that, you don't want people to know": mortgage strain, stigma, and mental health

American Journal of Public Health
Danya E KeeneAmy Castro Baker

Abstract

We analyzed experiences of stigmatization, concealment, and isolation among African American homeowners who were experiencing mortgage strain. We conducted semistructured interviews between March 2012 and May 2013 with 28 African American homeowners in a northeastern US city who were experiencing mortgage strain. We coded all of the transcripts and reviewed data for codes relating to stigma, sharing information, social support, social isolation, and the meaning of homeownership. Our data showed that mortgage strain can be a concealable stigma. Participants internalized this stigma, expressing shame about their mortgage situation. Additionally, some participants anticipated that others would view them as less worthy given their mortgage trouble. In an effort to avoid stigmatization, many concealed their mortgage trouble, which often led to isolation. This stigmatization, concealment, and isolation seemed to contribute to participants' depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Stigma may exacerbate stress associated with mortgage strain and contribute to poor mental health, particularly among upwardly mobile African Americans who have overcome significant structural barriers to home ownership. Reducing stigma associated with m...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 6, 2018·The British Journal of Social Psychology·Nicole AndelicAidan Feeney
Mar 29, 2019·International Journal for Equity in Health·Hugo Vásquez-VeraUNKNOWN Photovoice Working Group of Public Health Agency of Barcelona
Sep 13, 2019·BMC Public Health·Inmaculada Mateo-RodríguezMariola Bernal-Solano
Sep 18, 2020·Journal of Community Psychology·Terri Lewinson, Iraida V Carrion
Oct 3, 2016·Public Health Reviews·Allan S NoonanFernando A Wagner
Jul 8, 2021·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Hugo Vásquez-VeraCarme Borrell
Sep 2, 2021·International Journal for Equity in Health·Dong Jun KimSun Jung Kim

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