Article
Correlates of coping with perceived discriminatory experiences among African American adolescents
Lionel D. Scott Jr.,
Corresponding Author
Lionel D. Scott Jr.
Center for Mental Health Services Research, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1093, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130 USA
Tel.: +1-314-935-7970; fax: +1-314-935-7508Search for more papers by this authorLionel D. Scott Jr.,
Corresponding Author
Lionel D. Scott Jr.
Center for Mental Health Services Research, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1093, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130 USA
Tel.: +1-314-935-7970; fax: +1-314-935-7508Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This study examined the relation of background and race-related factors to the use of approach and avoidance strategies to cope with perceived discriminatory experiences among a sample of African American adolescents of relative affluence (n=71). Results showed that gender, family structure, socioeconomic status (SES), perceived control over discriminatory experiences, discrimination distress, and racism-related socialization were significant correlates of coping with perceived discriminatory experiences. Results concerning gender, perceived control, and stress arousal were consistent with findings from the general adolescent stress and coping literature. Results concerning family structure, SES, and socialization suggest that certain factors may be very important for the positive adjustment of African American adolescents in the face of race-related adversity.
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