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

Author

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  • Keene, D.E.
  • Cowan, S.K.
  • Baker, A.C.

Abstract

Objectives: We analyzed experiences of stigmatization, concealment, and isolation among African American homeowners who were experiencing mortgage strain. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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 mortgage strain may help to reduce the health consequences of this stressful life event.

Suggested Citation

  • Keene, D.E. & Cowan, S.K. & Baker, A.C., 2015. ""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, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(5), pages 1008-1012.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302400_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302400
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    Cited by:

    1. Vásquez-Vera, Hugo & Palència, Laia & Magna, Ingrid & Mena, Carlos & Neira, Jaime & Borrell, Carme, 2017. "The threat of home eviction and its effects on health through the equity lens: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 199-208.
    2. Houle, Jason N. & Light, Michael T., 2017. "The harder they fall? Sex and race/ethnic specific suicide rates in the U.S. foreclosure crisis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 114-124.
    3. Duc Duy Nguyen & Steven Ongena & Shusen Qi & Vathunyoo Sila, 2022. "Climate Change Risk and the Cost of Mortgage Credit [Does climate change affect real estate prices? Only if you believe in it]," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 26(6), pages 1509-1549.
    4. Pryor, Laura & Strandberg-Larsen, Katrine & Nybo Andersen, Anne-Marie & Hulvej Rod, Naja & Melchior, Maria, 2019. "Trajectories of family poverty and children's mental health: Results from the Danish National Birth Cohort," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 220(C), pages 371-378.
    5. Bovensiepen, Judith & Pelkmans, Mathijs, 2020. "Dynamics of wilful blindness: an introduction," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 104404, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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