# Anticipatory Race‐Related Stress and General Worry Among Black Women Students at an HBCU: The Mediating Effects of Internal Psychological Resources

## TL;DR

Black women students at HBCUs experience increased general worry due to anticipatory race-related stress, which is partially reduced by internal psychological resources like mastery and self-esteem.

## Contribution

This study identifies mastery and self-esteem as key internal psychological resources that mediate the relationship between anticipatory race-related stress and general worry in Black women students.

## Key findings

- Anticipatory race-related stress is positively related to general worry among Black women students.
- Mastery and self-esteem partially mediate the relationship between anticipatory race-related stress and general worry.
- Practitioners should prioritize internal psychological resources when supporting Black women to reduce the impact of race-related stress.

## Abstract

The pervasiveness of racism and its impacts on mental health continues to complicate the lives of Black women students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Emerging studies also reveal the prevalence of increasing anxiety among Black women. Stress responses culminate in increased mental (e.g., worry), emotional (e.g., shame) and physiological effects (e.g., cortisol reactivity). The biopsychosocial model of racism was used to examine the relationship between anticipatory race‐related stress and general worry among 206 Black women at a HBCU in the southern region of the U.S. Internal psychological factors (secondary appraisal, mastery, resilience and self‐esteem) were evaluated to determine their effects on anticipatory race‐related stress and general worry. Findings indicate a positive relationship between anticipatory race‐related stress and general worry. Further, mastery and self‐esteem partially mediated the relationship between anticipatory race‐related stress and general worry. That is, the association between anticipatory race‐related stress was not as profound when mastery and self‐esteem levels were high. The results highlight the importance of practitioners recognizing the value of internal psychological resources when supporting Black women as they navigate and heal from anticipatory race‐related stress and general worry, thereby reducing potential anxiety.

Anticipatory race‐related stress is related with increased general worry among Black women.Independently, secondary appraisal and self‐esteem were the most effective internal psychological factors in reducing general worry.Mastery and, to a lesser extent, self‐esteem are strengths that reduce the impact of anticipated race‐related stress on general worry for Black women.Practitioners must be mindful of the benefits of internal psychological resources when helping Black women heal from race‐related stress and to cope with general worry.Practitioners must exercise cultural humility, sensitivity and competency when working with Black women to promote healing and to avoid further marginalization or racial discrimination.

Anticipatory race‐related stress is related with increased general worry among Black women.

Independently, secondary appraisal and self‐esteem were the most effective internal psychological factors in reducing general worry.

Mastery and, to a lesser extent, self‐esteem are strengths that reduce the impact of anticipated race‐related stress on general worry for Black women.

Practitioners must be mindful of the benefits of internal psychological resources when helping Black women heal from race‐related stress and to cope with general worry.

Practitioners must exercise cultural humility, sensitivity and competency when working with Black women to promote healing and to avoid further marginalization or racial discrimination.