Strength Amid Strain: Coping, Racism, and Racial Socialization Stress in Black Caregivers

This study examined Black caregivers’ experiences of being bothered by racial discrimination on racial socialization stress when having discussions about race and racism. The study also investigated how coping self-efficacy beliefs (i.e., problem-focused coping, suppressing unpleasant emotions and thoughts, and seeking support from family and friends) moderated the association between racial discrimination and racial socialization stress. The sample included a socioeconomically diverse sample of 680 Black caregivers (Mage = 37, 55% mothers). Black caregivers who were highly bothered by racial discrimination and who reported low problem-focused coping strategies had lower levels of racial socialization stress, in comparison to those highly bothered by racial discrimination and who reported high problem-focused coping strategies. Being highly bothered by racial discrimination and reporting high levels of stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts as a coping strategy was associated with the lower levels of racial socialization stress in comparison to those with lower levels of stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts. Black caregivers with higher levels of family and friend support under conditions of reporting being bothered by racism had lower levels of racial socialization stress. The findings highlight the need to support Black caregivers in building effective coping strategies and social support networks.