An examination of the relationship between general life stress, racism-related stress, and psychological health among Black men

This study explored the relationship among general life stress. racism-related stress, and psychological health in a sample of 220 Black men. Participants completed a personal data form, the Perceived Stress Scale (S. Cohen, T. Kamarck, & R. Mermelstein, 1983), a modified version of the Schedule of Racist Events (H. Landrine & E. A. Klonoff, 1996). and the Mental Health Inventory (C. T. Veit & J. E. Ware. 1983). Results of hierarchical regressions indicated that when general stress was controlled, racisin-related stress predicted an additional 4% of variance in psychological distress for working class men and an additional 7% for middle-upper class men. Racism-related stress also predicted an additional 5% of variance in psychological well-being for middle-upper class men; however, it was not predictive of psychological well-being for working class men. Implications for counseling practice and future research are discussed.