Black adults in the United States often develop distinctive coping skills by adulthood to handle the chronic stress of racism, according to a new survey by Duke University researchers. The study, as reported by Duke Today, suggests that these coping mechanisms are not typically found in their white counterparts, highlighting the unique resilience cultivated through lived experiences of racial discrimination.
The study identifies that social support and religion are among the most common coping strategies employed by Black Americans. Social networks and religious communities offer emotional support and a sense of belonging, which buffer against the negative psychological impacts of racism.
Additional strategies include avoidance, substance use, positive reframing, and activism. Some respondents reported using avoidance techniques, such as disengaging from stressors or using substances like alcohol and tobacco, for temporary relief.
Cognitive strategies like positive reframing—focusing on positive aspects in difficult situations—and working harder to overcome obstacles help maintain a sense of control and purpose. According to the study, activism and affirming one’s identity through positive self-statements were also significant strategies.
“By educating others and advocating for social change, individuals reclaim a sense of agency and counteract feelings of helplessness,” the researchers wrote.
The study also reveals gender differences in coping strategies. Black women are more likely to engage in activism and use social support, whereas Black men often employ passive strategies like ignoring racism, researchers insisted. They determined that physical activities are more effective for men, reflecting social and cultural influences on coping behaviors.
The findings have crucial implications for mental health practices, researchers asserted. Mental health professionals are encouraged to recognize and validate these coping strategies, tailoring their support to enhance their effectiveness.
“By fostering open discussions about these mechanisms, professionals can help Black individuals navigate racial stress more effectively,” the researchers determined.
However, the study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive research.
The study found that there remains a call for research exploring coping strategies across different ethnic groups and intersecting identities, such as LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. Further research is needed to understand the overall effectiveness of these strategies in reducing racial stress and improving well-being, the authors noted.
They concluded that the survey highlights the resilience of Black adults in the face of racism, underscoring the necessity of culturally informed mental health support. The findings also “emphasize the importance of recognizing diverse coping mechanisms and call for continued research to better support marginalized communities,” experts said.