Race and ethnic variations in the education-control-distress model

Objective: Research shows that education favors mental health, in part, because it helps to develop a greater sense of control. To this point, however, it is unclear whether this process varies according to race and ethnicity. Methods: Building on previous research, we use data collected from a large probability sample of Texas adults to test the extent to which the education-control-distress (E-C-D) model varies across three race and ethnic groups, including whites, blacks, and Mexican Americans. Results: The results of our simple mediation analyses validate the E-C-D model for each race/ethnic group. Our moderated mediation analyses suggest that the indirect effect of education on psychological distress through the sense of control is comparable across race/ethnic groups. Conclusion: The mediating influence of the sense of control does not appear to vary according to the three race/ethnic groups included in the study.