Which statement about the ethnic density hypothesis is true?

• A. It applies only to rural communities
• B. It negates the effect of social support
• C. It suggests higher ethnic density is associated with better mental health due to social support
• D. It is unrelated to mental health outcomes

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how living among a larger share of people from one’s own ethnic group can shape mental health through social connections. Higher ethnic density can strengthen social support networks, increase trust and shared norms, and provide culturally relevant resources, which helps buffer stressors like discrimination and isolation. That’s why the statement that greater ethnic density is linked to better mental health because of social support is the best description of the concept. It isn’t confined to rural areas, and social support isn’t negated by density—the mechanism is about social support enhancing mental health. The hypothesis is specifically about mental health outcomes, not unrelated effects.