Abstract
This study examined how having a relationship with God served as a protective factor between racial stigma beliefs and psychological well-being. A church sample of African American adolescent girls (N = 117, Mage= 15) completed measures on racial stigma, psychological well-being, and reports on having a relationship with God. After controlling for adolescent age, family income, and church attendance, positive racial beliefs and having a relationship with God were associated with a healthier psychological well-being. Findings also revealed that having a relationship with God and internalizing healthier racial beliefs were associated with a healthier psychological well-being, whereas reporting higher levels of having a relationship with God served as a protective factor for African American girls when internalizing moderate levels of racial stigma. Overall, results suggest that having a relationship with God can serve as a coping mechanism and promote a healthier psychological well-being for African American adolescent girls.
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This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. 0109206. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Science Foundation. We thank the churches and families for their support.
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Butler-Barnes, S.T., Martin, P.P., Hope, E.C. et al. Religiosity and Coping: Racial Stigma and Psychological Well-Being among African American Girls. J Relig Health 57, 1980–1995 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0644-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0644-9