An Evidence-Based Approach for Treating Stress and Trauma due to Racism

Williams, Monnica T.; Holmes, Samantha C.; Zare, Manzar; Haeny, Angela M.; Faber, Sonya C.

doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.07.001

Cited by 22 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 111 publications

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“…These findings add evidence to the growing literature suggesting a distinction between racial trauma and the DSM-5's conceptualization of trauma. The findings may also aid clinicians in gaining a deeper understanding of racial trauma symptomology and in developing more effective strategies for assessment and treatment of this syndrome, 36 which in turn will help reduce the public health burden of discrimination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

A Psychometric Investigation of Racial Trauma Symptoms Using a Semi-Structured Clinical Interview With a Trauma Checklist (UnRESTS)

Williams

Zare

2022

Chronic Stress

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The term racial trauma is used to describe the cumulative distressing and traumatizing effects of racism in all of its forms, and it closely resembles the construct of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This investigation aims to increase our understanding of racial trauma by comparing the characteristics of those with a clinically-relevant diagnosis of racial trauma to those without, based on the findings of a clinical semi-structured interview and symptom checklist for assessing racial trauma, the University of Connecticut Racial Ethnic Stress and Trauma Survey (UnRESTS), administered to a diverse group of adults (N = 97). This paper extends prior work on racial trauma by examining the correlations between racial trauma and validated self-report measures of discriminatory distress, controlling for racialization. We examine the correlation between a clinically-relevant diagnosis of racial trauma and racial/ethnic identity. We also compare racism-related PTSD symptoms in those with and without racial trauma to inform clinical assessment. Finally, we examine the factor structure of racial trauma symptoms using the 24 items from the UnRESTS PTSD symptom checklist and compare these to current DSM-5 models. The structure of racial trauma symptoms differed from the DSM-5 4-factor model, as do other PTSD models in the research literature. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

A Psychometric Investigation of Racial Trauma Symptoms Using a Semi-Structured Clinical Interview With a Trauma Checklist (UnRESTS)

Williams

Zare

2022

Chronic Stress

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“…Black clients can look for opportunities to promote antiracist change in their personal environments as well (work, school, community) through any number of prosocial means. For a cognitive-behavioral approach to helping clients with racial stress and trauma, see Williams et al (in press).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Systematic Review of Black People Coping With Racism: Approaches, Analysis, and Empowerment

Jacob

Faber²,

Faber

et al. 2022

Perspect Psychol Sci

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This article reviews the current research literature concerning Black people in Western societies to better understand how they regulate their emotions when coping with racism, which coping strategies they use, and which strategies are functional for well-being. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, and 26 studies were identified on the basis of a comprehensive search of multiple databases and reference sections of relevant articles. Studies were quantitative and qualitative, and all articles located were from the United States or Canada. Findings demonstrate that Black people tend to cope with racism through social support (friends, family, support groups), religion (prayer, church, spirituality), avoidance (attempting to avoid stressors), and problem-focused coping (confronting the situation directly). Findings suggest gender differences in coping strategies. We also explore the relationship between coping with physical versus emotional pain and contrast functional versus dysfunctional coping approaches, underscoring the importance of encouraging personal empowerment to promote psychological well-being. Findings may help inform mental-health interventions. Limitations include the high number of American-based samples and exclusion of other Black ethnic and national groups, which is an important area for further exploration.

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“…Utilizing measures that assess the impact of racism ensures these symptoms are not missed or misattributed [e.g., RTS; 63 ••]. Specialized interventions : Treatments developed to address the impact of racism may be required [e.g., 50 , 66 ]. …”

Section: Recommendations For Practitioners and Researchersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Specialized interventions : Treatments developed to address the impact of racism may be required [e.g., 50 , 66 ].…”

Section: Recommendations For Practitioners and Researchersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Anxiety-Related Disorders in the Context of Racism

MacIntyre

Zare

Williams

2023

Curr Psychiatry Rep

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Purpose of Review The literature on racism and anxiety-related disorders, especially social anxiety, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, is notably lacking. This report aims to review recent evidence demonstrating the link between racial discrimination and various anxiety-related disorders. Recent Findings Anxiety-related disorders were the most significant mediator for daily discrimination and suicidal thoughts, above both depression and substance use. Further, studies showed that racial discrimination promotes posttraumatic stress and racial trauma among people of color. Systemic racism puts people of color at a higher risk for anxiety disorders than White people. Clinical case examples provide lived evidence of diverse racial and ethnic individuals suffering from anxiety-related disorders, with the development and worsening of symptoms due to racism and microaggressions. Summary There is a prominent need for recent research on anxiety-related disorders and racism. Recommendations for clinicians and future research directions are provided. These actions are required to address bias and mental health inequities and empower people of color.

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An Evidence-Based Approach for Treating Stress and Trauma due to Racism

Cited by 22 publications

References 111 publications

A Psychometric Investigation of Racial Trauma Symptoms Using a Semi-Structured Clinical Interview With a Trauma Checklist (UnRESTS)

A Psychometric Investigation of Racial Trauma Symptoms Using a Semi-Structured Clinical Interview With a Trauma Checklist (UnRESTS)

A Systematic Review of Black People Coping With Racism: Approaches, Analysis, and Empowerment

Anxiety-Related Disorders in the Context of Racism

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