The Role of Coping Strategies in Understanding the Effects of Institutional Racism on Mental Health Outcomes for African American Men

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies as moderators of the effects of institutional racism on psychological outcomes for a sample of 283 self-identified African American men. We hypothesized that the use of strategies that have been conceptualized as adaptive (e.g., spirituality, problem-oriented coping) would influence the severity of institutional racism on psychological symptoms, such that more frequent use would be associated with less severe symptoms. Furthermore, we hypothesized that more frequent use of avoidant strategies (e.g., substance use, disengagement) would be associated with greater severity of psychological symptoms in relation to exposure to institutional racism. Moderated hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test these hypotheses. Statistically significant main effects revealed that coping strategies that involved more self-reliance were associated with greater severity in mental health symptoms. A statistically significant interaction effect was also revealed, which suggested that greater reliance on spirituality was associated with increased symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity in relation to experiences of institutional racism. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Coping Matters: An Examination of Coping Among Black Americans During COVID-19

“…Although prior research suggested both the importance and usefulness of socially supported coping for Black U.S. Americans in response to minority stress (Greer & Cavalhieri, 2019; Utsey et al, 2007; Ward et al, 2013), as well as human disasters and trauma (Ali et al, 2017; Lincoln et al, 2005), the absence of a relationship between socially supported coping and psychological distress in the present study may be related to the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., limited social contact and connection due to physical distancing guidelines, closure of buildings of worship). Participants simultaneously reported markedly reduced social connection as well as increased attempts at facilitating connection with others via the internet.…”

“…However, specific expressions of self-sufficient coping, such as problem-solving strategies (West et al, 2010) and persistent effort targeting mastery (Matthews et al, 2013), were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Importantly, collective coping (Utsey et al, 2007) and coping that emphasized interconnectedness (Greer & Cavalhieri, 2019) was associated with a higher quality of life. In response to gendered racism among Black women, avoidant coping was found to be associated with psychological distress (Szymanski & Lewis, 2016).…”

“…Some studies of coping with minority stress among Black U.S. Americans found self-sufficient coping may portend increased levels of anxiety (Greer & Cavalhieri, 2019) and depression (Matthews et al, 2013). However, specific expressions of self-sufficient coping, such as problem-solving strategies (West et al, 2010) and persistent effort targeting mastery (Matthews et al, 2013), were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms.…”

Lawyering While Black: Perceived Stress as a Mediator of Impostor Feelings, Race-Related Stress and Mental Health Among Black Attorneys

“…These domains of racism may be differentially related to different health and mental health outcomes. For example, Greer and Cavalhieri (2019) found that only institutional racism was associated with poorer mental health among African American men.…”

Starting the Conversation: Common Themes Typifying Expectant Unmarried Black Parents’ Discussions About Coparenting a First Child Together

“…Threlfall et al (2013), offering important counterpoint, illuminated economic and social stressors attendant to being a minority man in a White majority society. Unlike White fathers, Black fathers must confront institutional racism (Greer & Cavalhieri, 2019), as well as trauma and loss resulting from police violence and police killings (Smith Lee & Robinson, 2019). Black fatherhood has also affected by economic injustice and generational poverty (Hamilton, 2016; Ogbu, 2013; Sabol et al, 2009).…”