Racial discrimination, coping, life satisfaction, and self-esteem among African Americans

This article reports the results of a study that examined the coping strategies used by African Americans in managing the stressful effects of racism. A total of 213 participants (Women, n = 137; men, n = 76) completed the Index of Race-Related Sress (S. O. Utsey & J. G. Ponterotto, 1996), the Coping Strategy Indicator (J. H. Amirkhan, 1990), the Satisfact,on With UfeScale E. Diene R.£ Emrnons R J. Larsen, &S. Griffin, 1985), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (M. Rosenberg, 1965). Results indicated that women preferred avoidance coping for racism experienced on a persona, level. For African Americans in general, seeking social support and racism condition were the best predictors of racism-related stress. Life satisfaction and self-esteem were best predated by avoidance coping. Implications for the provision of counseling services to African Americans are dtscussed.