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01-10-2018 | Original Paper

Religiosity and Coping: Racial Stigma and Psychological Well-Being among African American Girls

Authors: Sheretta T. Butler-Barnes, Pamela P. Martin, Elan C. Hope, Nikeea Copeland-Linder, Marquisha Lawrence Scott

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

This study examined how having a relationship with God served as a protective factor between racial stigma beliefs and psychological well-being. A church sample of African American adolescent girls (N = 117, M_age= 15) completed measures on racial stigma, psychological well-being, and reports on having a relationship with God. After controlling for adolescent age, family income, and church attendance, positive racial beliefs and having a relationship with God were associated with a healthier psychological well-being. Findings also revealed that having a relationship with God and internalizing healthier racial beliefs were associated with a healthier psychological well-being, whereas reporting higher levels of having a relationship with God served as a protective factor for African American girls when internalizing moderate levels of racial stigma. Overall, results suggest that having a relationship with God can serve as a coping mechanism and promote a healthier psychological well-being for African American adolescent girls.

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Title: Religiosity and Coping: Racial Stigma and Psychological Well-Being among African American Girls
Authors: Sheretta T. Butler-Barnes
Pamela P. Martin
Elan C. Hope
Nikeea Copeland-Linder
Marquisha Lawrence Scott
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0644-9

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Religiosity and Coping: Racial Stigma and Psychological Well-Being among African American Girls

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