Race Related StressAmong College

Students

Identity Activity

Learning Outcomes • Recognize important characteristics of race-

related stress.

• Develop awareness and knowledge of what it means to be advocate against race-related stress.

• Identify coping strategies and resources available for race-related stress.

Stereotype Activity

What is Race Related Stress?

• Race Related Stress" refers to the psychological distress associated with experiences of racism.

• Even if you were mistaken that a racism act occurred, you can still experience race related stress.

• Reactions only require that a person believes that they were the victim of racism in order to experience race related stress.

Trivia

Question 1 After controlling for levels of general stress, racism-

related stress accounted for an additional ______ percentage of psychological distress?

A. 0% (there was no difference)

B. > 4%

C. 4% - 8%

D. 9% - 13%

Question 1 After controlling for levels of general stress, racism-

related stress accounted for an additional ______ percentage of psychological distress?

A. 0% (there was no difference)

B. > 4%

C. 4% - 8% (Chao, Mallinckrodt, & Wei, 2012)

D. 9% - 13%

Question 2Which of the following problems are associated with Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination Distress (PRDD)?

A. Relationships with peers, worries about dating, physical health, and sleep problems

B. Academic performance-related problems, such as study skills, difficulties adjusting to the university, and time management

C. Perfectionism, depression, body image concerns, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and self-esteem issues

D. All of the above

Question 2Which of the following problems are associated with Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination Distress?

A. Relationships with peers, worries about dating, physical health, and sleep problems

B. Academic performance-related problems, such as study skills, difficulties adjusting to the university, and time management

C. Perfectionism, depression, body image concerns, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and self-esteem issues

D. All of the above (Chao, Mallinckrodt, & Wei, 2012)

Question 3How can you prevent or help others cope with

race-related stress?

A. It's better to pretend that it does not exist and ignore racially insensitive comments

B. Develop a positive cultural identity and be a part of a support network

C. Diversify your friend group and speak out when you witness acts of injustice and intolerance.

D. Both B & C

Question 3How can you prevent or help others cope with

race-related stress?

A. It's better to pretend that it does not exist and ignore racially insensitive comments

B. Develop a positive cultural identity and be a part of a support network

C. Diversify your friend group and speak out when you witness acts of injustice and intolerance.

D. Both B & C

Video

Activity Emotional Statements

Intense Emotional Reactions

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Fear

• Frustration

• Depression

• Helplessness

• Isolation

• Mistrust

• Resentment

• Sadness

• Self-blame

• Self-doubt

Coping Strategies

• Build a Support Network

• Rely on Your Spirituality

• Positive Cultural Identity

• Strong Sense of Self

• Become Involved in Social Action

Advocate Against Race Related Stress

• Do not ignore

Don’t minimize racially insensitive comments and speak out when you witness acts of injustice and intolerance.

• Be clear

Understand and make a commitment to the change you wish to see and how you vision implementation.

• Don’t work in isolation

Talk to a person/department that will support you.

• Be mindful about timing

When is it time to share your experiences, frustrations, when is it time to work on change and demands.

• Do not get discouraged

Change does not happen overnight. Be comfortable with small steps leading to big change.

• Diversify your friendship group

Join and explore racial justice groups

Take a course on race relations

Join racial justice movements

ReferencesBeatty, D., Brady ver Halen, N., Brondolo, E., & Contrada, R. J. (2009). Coping with racism: a selective review of the

literature and a theoretical and methodological critique. Journal Of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 64-88. doi:10.1007/s10865-008-9193-0

Carter, R. T., Evans, S. A., Pieterse, A. L., & Walter, R. C. (2010). An exploratory examination of the associations among racial and ethnic discrimination, racial climate, and trauma-related symptoms in a college student population. Journal Of Counseling Psychology.57(3), 255-263. doi:10.1037/a0020040-0022-0167-10

Counseling Center at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Coping with Race Related Stress. In Self Help Brochures. Retrieved March 9, 2013 from http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=1050.

Duan, C., & Rowles, J. (2012). Perceived racism and encouragement among african american adults. Journal Of Multicultural Counseling And Development, 40, 11-23.

Evans, S. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., & Renn, K. A. (2010). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Gomez J., Miranda R. & Polanco R. (2011). Acculturative, stress, perceived discrimination, and vulnerability to suicide attempts among emerging adults, J. Youth Adolescence, 40, 1465-1476. doi:10.1007/s10964-001-9688-9

Reynolds, A. L. (2009). Helping college students: Developing essential support skills for student affairs practice. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Sue, D. (2003). Overcoming our racism: The journey to liberation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.