Race Related Stress Among 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 2 Which 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 2 Which 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 3 How 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 3 How 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

References Beatty, 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.