Black Structural Resilience Across the Lifespan
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Boeun, Alicia Cooke, Tiffany Riser, Sarah Szanton
Primary Institution: University of Iowa, Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
This study aims to understand the structural resilience and its supportive roles in maintaining or promoting health over the life course among older African Americans.
Conclusion
The study reveals that older African Americans have cultivated resilience through various societal and community resources, which helps them thrive despite adversities.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified five themes related to structural resilience among older African Americans.
- Participants reported undergoing extraordinary adversities throughout their lives.
- Accessible resources were noted during childhood, adulthood, and late adulthood.
- Grassroots organizations emerged to provide support.
- The dynamics of structural resilience were found to change across the life course.
Takeaway
This study shows that older Black people have learned to be strong and find help from their communities and families, which helps them stay healthy even when times are tough.
Methodology
The study used a qualitative descriptive design with semi-structured interviews and an inductive coding approach.
Participant Demographics
Self-identified African American adults aged 50 and older living in Baltimore City.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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