Exploring the Stress-Support-Distress Process Among Black Women

Abstract

Research on mental health inequalities typically focuses on variations in individuals' stress exposure and coping strategies (i.e., perceptions of support adequacy). This study extends prior research by asking how the stress-support-distress process operates among Black w2omen. Data come from a 2003 survey by the Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of Hurricanes at Louisiana State University (LSU). Our findings challenge the prototypic stress-health models that fail to acknowledge social group differences in the stress-support-distress process. More importantly, our research points to the need for health professionals to consider how formal support systems (i.e., health promotion programs) and internal resources (i.e., health education) can positively impact Black women's mental health.

“Just Trying to Make it Through”: Understanding Transitions Into Motherhood Among Young Black Women Amidst Trauma, Racism, and Structural Oppression

“…While the struggle, injustice, and uncertainty that participants described highlighted how they view their transition to motherhood, kinship and resilience in the face of struggle were positive protective factors that emerged, aligning with other research in this area (Piesterse et al, 2010;Spates, 2020). The ability to create kinship and persevere in an anti-Black, anti-woman, and anti-Black woman sociocultural-historical context must be acknowledged and celebrated (Dilworth-Anderson, 2019;Spates, 2020).While these strengths do not mitigate the chronic stress of racism and trauma, kinship and survival act as psychological and communal buffers against the toll of these realities (Norris & Mitchell, 2014). All participants in this study experienced early trauma and loss, and in the face of feeling alone and untethered, kinship and feelings of belonging served as resources for coping.…”

Weathering Probation and Parole: The Protective Role of Social Support on Black Women’s Recent Stressful Events and Depressive Symptoms

“…For Black women involved in the criminal justice system, incarceration has a multitude of lasting detrimental effects, and the need for social support upon release is critical for women’s psychological health at the time of release and during reentry (Asberg & Renk, 2014; Dodge & Pogrebin, 2001). Women on probation and parole are overwhelmingly economically impoverished, and poverty (especially when considered with other forms of inequality) is a significant risk factor for depression symptoms (Belle & Doucet, 2003; Freudenberg et al, 2011; Morash, 2010; Norris & Mitchell, 2014). Economically disadvantaged incomes (e.g., less than $20,000 per year) are overwhelmingly common in samples of women under correctional supervision, as are other indicators of social and economic vulnerability, such as high rates of homelessness (Lorvick, Comfort, Krebs, & Kral, 2015; Morash, 2010).…”

A partial test of the Strong Black Woman Collective Theory

“…In fact, prior research on chronic stress and support found that instrumental and expressive forms of support did not mitigate psychological distress for Black women suffering at high levels (Norris & Mitchell, 2014). Perhaps this is because Black women are embedded in resource-deficient networks that lack the tangible and emotional resources to meet their psychological needs (Norris & Mitchell, 2014). The authors encouraged Black women to mobilize personal, self-coping strategies because internal resources are readily available when stressful circumstances arise.…”

“…Strength may be an effective and culturally appropriate resource to help Black women fight against acute (e.g., incidents of racial microaggression) and long-term life stressors (e.g., gendered racism). In fact, prior research on chronic stress and support found that instrumental and expressive forms of support did not mitigate psychological distress for Black women suffering at high levels (Norris & Mitchell, 2014). Perhaps this is because Black women are embedded in resource-deficient networks that lack the tangible and emotional resources to meet their psychological needs (Norris & Mitchell, 2014).…”

“…Verbal person-centeredness denotes an awareness and adaption to the context, which means that providers' attempts to alleviate distress for Black American women should involve acknowledgment and legitimization of who they are and what they value (Burleson, 1987, p. 305). Of all types of resources to communicate to a Black woman in need, research suggests that strength may be the most effective because it bolsters perseverance and self-reliance and teaches Black women how to cope with difficulties on their own (Norris & Mitchell, 2014). This unique form of support also reflects their typical style of open, direct, and assertive communication (see Hecht et al, 2003) and expectation for conversational partners to be persuasive and problem-focused rather than affect/emotion-oriented (Collier, 1991;Hecht, Collier, & Ribeau, 1993;Hecht et al, 2003;Samter & Burleson, 2005).…”