Black women: the intersection of race and gender as a source of mental health vulnerability in academia

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects 3.8% of the global population, with higher rates among women and marginalized groups. Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality posits that systems of oppression, such as racism and sexism, interact to produce unique forms of disadvantage for individuals who hold multiple marginalized identities. This study examined depressive symptoms in Brazil’s academic community, focusing on the intersection of race and gender. Methods Members of the Brazilian academic community completed an online survey that included sociodemographic questions (such as race and gender) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Depressive symptoms were assessed using this standardized psychometric instrument in a sample of 3,857 participants. Results The results showed that Black women had significantly higher depression scores (57.1% above the cut-off for a probable diagnosis of depression) than did White women (45.3%), Black men (35.4%), and White men (32.9%). ANCOVA confirmed significant effects of gender, race, and their interaction, with Black women having the highest mean PHQ-9 scores. Logistic regression revealed that Black women were twice as likely as White men to meet the criteria for a probable diagnosis of depression. The findings suggest that systemic vulnerabilities for Black women, compounded by racism and sexism, also persist in academic settings. In fact, academic settings present structural barriers, such as underrepresentation and racialized stress, that can exacerbate mental health disparities. Conclusion This study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health policies that address intersectional inequalities in academia, with particular attention to the experiences of Black women.