Coping Matters: An Examination of Coping among Black Americans during COVID-19

Authors

Caitlin M. Mercier, Louisiana Tech UniversityFollow
Dena M. Abbott, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Michael S. Ternes, Louisiana Tech University

ORCID IDs

Caitlin M. Mercier

Dena Abbott

Michael S. Ternes

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

The Counseling Psychologist 50:3 (2022), pp. 384–414.

doi: 10.1177/00110000211069598

Comments

Copyright © 2022 Caitlin M Mercier, Dena M. Abbott, and Michael S. Ternes. Published by SAGE. Used by permission.

Abstract

Using a critical race theory framework and a convergent mixed-method design, this study examined the relationship between coping with stress and psychological distress among Black U.S. Americans (N = 155) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of race-based stressors (e.g., anti-Black racism). Path analysis revealed mixed support for hypotheses; avoidant coping was positively related to all measured facets of psychological distress, whereas socially supported coping was associated with none. Self-sufficient coping was negatively associated with only depressive symptoms. Qualitative analysis revealed four salient themes: (a) Race and the COVID-19 Pandemic, (b) Complex Pandemic Related Changes to Life, (c) Emotional Responses to the Pandemic, and (d) Coping with the COVID Pandemic. These themes suggested the pandemic disrupted participants’ ability to engage in, or effectively use, typically adaptive coping strategies and distress was exacerbated by fears for the safety of other Black U.S. Americans. Implications for training, practice, research, and advocacy are discussed.