The portrayal of depression in the three most popular English-language Black-American magazines in the USA: Ebony, Essence, and Jet

Abstract

Objective. To examine how depression is portrayed within a specific racialized group.

Design. Manifest and latent content analysis of the three highest circulating magazines directed toward Black-American readers, Essence, Ebony, and Jet, from 2000 to 2007.

Results. The findings demonstrate ambiguity and contradictions about depression's meaning and incidence, as well as the availability, accessibility, and suitability of medical treatment. All of these are linked to racialized identities among Black Americans.

Conclusion. Magazine portrayal of depression in these magazines can only be understood in the context of experienced racism, oppression, and ethnic identity among Blacks.

Keywords:

• depression
• Black Americans
• magazines
• portrayal
• racism
• oppression

Acknowledgements

This research was supported in part by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.