Stress, Anxiety, Depression And Psychological Responses Among African Americans: Empirical Investigation And Coping Strategies

Abstract

This study examined the impact of stress by exploring the relationship between coping strategies and psychological responses such as stress, anxiety and depression among African American women in the academic setting. Research suggests African American women’s coping strategies have an impact on their academic performance. Findings in this study were consistent with previous research that supports a complex coping strategy. Examination of emotion-oriented, task-oriented, and avoidance coping strategies provided insight into the various coping strategies. Avoidance coping strategies were further divided into social diversion and distraction. African- American women who reportedly experienced high levels of stress and low levels of anxiety and depression used a combination of coping strategies. Emotional-oriented coping was found positively correlated with anxiety and depression. Task-oriented and avoidance coping were also correlated with lower levels of anxiety and depression.