Exploring Stress and Coping Among Urban African American Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Chandra Anita, Batada Ameena
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
The study aims to explore perceptions of stress, sources of social support, and coping strategies among urban African American ninth graders.
Conclusion
The study provides insights into how urban African American teens perceive and cope with stress, highlighting the importance of school and relationships as significant stressors.
Supporting Evidence
- Teens reported that school work was the most frequent source of stress.
- Girls used more support-seeking and active coping strategies than boys.
- Participants expressed that parents and adults often do not acknowledge their stress.
Takeaway
This study looked at how teens in Baltimore feel stressed and how they deal with it, showing that school and friends are big sources of stress for them.
Methodology
A mixed-method approach was used, including questionnaires, audio journals, pile-sort activities, and personal social support network maps.
Potential Biases
Recruitment challenges may have introduced selection bias, as participants were likely more organized and able to cope with stress than non-participants.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and unequal gender representation, which limits generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly African American ninth graders from low-income households in East Baltimore.
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