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Abstract
Violence, risky sexual behaviors, and substance use are critical targets for improved health behavior. Prior research has linked levels of exposure to rap music with a range of undesirable health behaviors. Contemporary research has also found health-enhancing and other ‘positive’ correlations with rap music exposure. The present study examined unique and shared effects among ethnic identity, self-esteem, music exposure, age, and gender on depressive symptoms among 128 high school and college students, along with variables reflecting empowering and risky rap music influences. Data analyses used structural equation modeling. The full model demonstrated excellent fit (Chi-square (df) = 13.6 (14); CFI = 1.0, TLI = 1.0; RMSEA = 0.000) and strong support for hypothesized variable pathways. Music exposure contributed little independently to undesirable outcomes. Positive ethnic identity was associated with greater music-influenced empowerment. Greater perceived music-influenced empowerment was associated with significantly less depressive symptoms. Participants who were younger, male and with higher self-esteem were most significantly associated with perceived music-influenced risk. The least likely to show depressive symptoms were individuals who felt rap music inspired them to connect with others, consider experiences of others, think critically about the world around them, and want to make a difference in their communities.