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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Rosemary Jeffries, PhD1, Baqar H. Husaini, PhD2, Pamela C. Hull, MA2, and Van A. Cain, MA2. (1) Department of Psychology, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209, 615-963-5191, rjeffries@tnstate.edu, (2) Center for Health Research, Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 9580, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37209
This study examines the relationship between perceived racism, stress and mental health problems in African Americans. Using census tract data, a sample of 389 adult males and females was selected. Perceived racism was measured using a 30 item scale (based on McNeilly et. al., 1996). Other measures included the CES-D, Prime MD, and Attributional Style Questionnaire. Analyses were performed using Pearson Correlation, ANOVA , multivariate regression and OLS regression. Higher levels of perceived racism were positively associated with higher levels of perceived stress (r=.33, p<.05). Stress from unfair treatment positively predicted mental health problems with perceived stress. Respondents reported higher stress from unfair treatment on the job(B=.31, p< .01) and racist statements (B=.21, p <.01). Non married, females, and those with lower levels of education were more likely to report negative effects of racism related stress. Optimistic attributional style lowered psychological distress (B=.15, p<.01); and depression (B=-.20, p<.01). Mental health clinicians who currently do not assess attributional style may learn to use such instruments in intervention. Cognitive therapists may see special benefit of working with patients regarding their thought processes (perceptions) about their negative experiences.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: African American, Depression
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.