Promoting Mental Wellness among Black Faculty: Strategies for Coping

The frequent police killings during the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reckoning among Americans from all backgrounds and propelled the Black Lives Matter movement into a global force. This manuscript addresses major issues to aid practitioners in the effective treatment of African Americans via the lens of Critical Race Theory and the Bioecological Model. We place the impacts of racism on Black families in historical context and outline the sources of Black family resilience. We critique structural racism embedded in all aspects of psychology and allied fields. We provide an overview of racial socialization and related issues affecting the parenting decisions in Black families, as well as a detailed overview of impacts of structural racism on couple dynamics. Recommendations are made for engaging racial issues in therapy, providing emotional support and validation to couples and families experiencing discrimination and racial trauma, and using Black cultural strengths as therapeutic resources.

Suicide is a devastating public health problem, and research indicates that people with prior attempts are at the greatest risk of completing suicide, followed by persons with depression and other major mental and substance use conditions. Because there has been little direct input from individuals with serious mental illness and a history of suicidal behavior concerning suicide prevention efforts, this study examined how this population copes with suicidal thoughts. Participants in 14 regional consumer-run Hope Dialogues in New York State (N=198) wrote up to five strategies they use to deal with suicidal thoughts. Strategies were classified according to grounded theory. First responses included spirituality, talking to someone, positive thinking, using the mental health system, considering consequences of suicide to family and friends, using peer supports, and doing something pleasurable. Although a majority reported that more formal therapeutic supports were available, only 12% indicated that they considered the mental health system a frontline strategy. Instead, respondents more frequently relied on family, friends, peers, and faith as sources of hope and support. Consumers' reliance on formal therapeutic supports and support from peers and family suggests that education and support for dealing with individuals in despair and crisis should be targeted to the social networks of this high-risk population. The disparity between availability of formal mental health services and reliance on them when consumers are suicidal suggests that suicide prevention efforts should evaluate whether they are effectively engaging high-risk populations as they struggle to cope with despair.

Resilience has been depicted as a key characteristic in the promotion of mental health in the face of stress and adversity. Despite high levels of stress encountered in the autistic population, resilience studies remain scarce. Using data from an Australian longitudinal adult study, this study explored the inter-relationships between trait resilience, coping, and mental health in a sample of autistic adults (N=78). In particular, we examined the relationship between resilience and use of coping strategies, and the potential mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between resilience and mental health outcomes. Our findings suggested that increased use of engagement coping (e.g., problem-solving, positive appraisal) and decreased use of disengagement coping (e.g., self-blame, being in denial) strategies were associated with higher levels of resilience. Further, mediation analysis results suggest that disengagement coping mediated the associations between resilience and all three mental health outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and well-being), while engagement coping strategies mediated the relationship between resilience and well-being only. Our results illustrate that coping strategies may be an important mechanism in explaining the resilience-mental health relationship in autistic adults, highlighting the importance of considering stress-related constructs together (i.e., trait resilience and coping) when addressing support and intervention options for mental health difficulties in the autistic adult population. LAY SUMMARY: This research explored how resilience and coping strategies influence the mental health and well-being of autistic adults. We found that resilient autistic adults used more engagement coping strategies, less disengagement coping strategies, and reported better mental health and well-being. Considering stress-related factors together (i.e., resilience and coping) offers a novel perspective to mental health difficulties in autistic adults and may be a vital step in the development of support options in this population.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the multifaceted response strategies to curb its spread both have devastating effects on mental and emotional health. Social distancing, and self-isolation have impacted the lives of students. These impacts need to be identified, studied, and handled to ensure the well-being of the individuals, particularly the students. This study aims to analyze the role of coping strategies, family support, and social support in improving the mental health of the students by collecting evidence from post COVID-19. Data was collected from deaf students studying in Chinese universities of Henan Province, China. A survey questionnaire was designed to collect data from 210 students. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS 21 while hypothesis testing was carried out using Mplus 7. The results demonstrated that family support was strongly positively linked to mental health and predicted coping strategies. The direct relationship analysis showed that coping strategy strongly predicted mental health. Furthermore, coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between family support and mental health. Additionally, the results highlighted that PSS significantly moderated the path of family support and coping strategies only. Family support and coping strategies positively predicted mental health, whereas, family support was also found to be positively associated with coping strategies. Coping strategies mediated the positive association between family support and mental health. However, perceived family and other support only moderated the relationship between family support and coping strategies.

The value of psychological principles has become apparent in medical settings, especially with the rise of patient-centered care. We aimed to provide a curriculum informing medical providers about the theoretical basis and clinical utility of the social-cognitive model of stress and coping. This workshop was delivered to an interprofessional team of faculty and trainees. Our initial pedagogical approach was to relate the concepts of cognitive appraisals and coping strategies to participants' own stress responses. We then used didactic presentation and small-group activities to explore ways to promote adaptive coping with patients to improve health outcomes. Learners participated in a mindfulness exercise, conceptualized coping strategies given a hypothetical case scenario, and, in small groups, role-played a patient encounter to construct an effective coping repertoire for the patient. Participants completed a prework self-assessment and workshop evaluation form. The 2.5-hour workshop had 48 participants from five professions (medicine, education, physician assistant, pharmacology, psychology). We received 35 evaluations (73% response rate). Learners reported increased real-world skills (M = 8.0 out of 10) and feeling better prepared for working in interprofessional settings (M = 7.6 out of 10). Qualitative feedback suggested that participants recognized the importance of individual differences in coping with stress and felt they could categorize strategies into emotion- or problem-focused coping. This workshop provided participants with basic knowledge about the social-cognitive model of stress and coping and allowed them to practice newly learned skills in a role-play as an interprofessional medical care team.

Compared to the general population, mental health difficulties are commonly reported in autistic adults. However, the ways in which coping strategies are associated with mental health and well-being in this population remain unknown. Further, we do not know if, and if so, how these associations might differ to that of non-autistic adults. In this study, we hypothesized that in both our autistic (N=255) and non-autistic (N=165) adult samples, disengagement coping strategies (e.g., denial) would relate to poorer mental health and well-being, while engagement coping strategies (e.g., problem solving) would relate to better mental health and well-being. Regression analyses revealed that higher use of disengagement coping strategies was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, and lower levels of well-being in both samples. In contrast, increased use of engagement coping strategies was associated with better well-being, but only in the autistic sample. Our results contribute to the characterization of negative and positive mental health outcomes in autistic adults from a coping perspective, with potential to offer novel information regarding coping strategies to consider when addressing support options for mental health difficulties in the autistic adult population. LAY SUMMARY: Mental health conditions (such as anxiety and depression) and poor well-being are commonly reported in autistic adults. Research suggests that how one copes with stress is associated with one's mental health and well-being. However, we have little information about how coping strategies relate to the mental health of autistic adults, and whether this might be different in non-autistic adults. In this study, we examined the relationship between coping strategies and mental health in a large group of autistic individuals aged 15-80 years. We then compared this with similar aged non-autistic individuals. We found that in both the autistic and non-autistic individuals, using more disengagement coping strategies (such as being in denial, blaming oneself) was related to poorer mental health and well-being. Additionally, using more engagement coping strategies (such as problem solving, acceptance) was related to better mental health and well-being, but only in the autistic individuals. These results can help inform support services, as they highlight the coping strategies that may need to be focused on (i.e., developing engagement coping strategies and reducing disengagement coping strategies) in order to better support the mental health of autistic individuals.

The atmosphere at many colleges and universities in the United States presents unique challenges for Black faculty including racism. It is well established that Black faculty, especially those at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), work in potentially hostile, unfriendly, and negative environments. Other concerns for Black faculty at PWIs include lack of mentors and tenure politics. Examples of tenure politics include a lack of guidance regarding the tenure and promotion process, a sense of isolation and lack of collegiality, and the inability to speak out on unfair treatment for fear of retribution during the tenure and promotion process. Black faculty often choose self-isolation, conformity, and silence as coping strategies. However, these strategies rarely address the associated psychological and social stress. Faculty learning communities (FLCs) have been touted as a better alternative. FLCs bind faculty together thereby providing a much-needed support for Black faculty struggling to survive in a predominantly White environment. This article is premised on the experiences of six Black FLC participants at one PWI. We recommend that PWIs should actively support the attempt(s) by Black faculty to create safe spaces such as an FLC, which can foster a sense of belonging and build their confidence. An additional recommendation is that PWIs should employ the services of a chief diversity officer to help create and maintain programs that enhance Black faculty experiences and make them more successful.

Migrants often encounter numerous stressors that can significantly impact their mental health. Understanding the coping strategies employed by migrants and assessing their mental health status is crucial for developing effective support systems. The main aim of this study was to examine the most common coping skills and strategies of young adult migrants in order to generate ideas for creating a comprehensive CBT support program. The study explored the frequency of different coping strategies employed by migrants in correlation with their levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study utilized a quantitative approach and recruited a sample of 184 male migrants from 14 different countries facing stressful situations. The findings revealed that religion was the most commonly used coping strategy, followed by planning for the next steps and actively coping with the situation. Substance use was identified as the least utilized coping strategy. The mental health scores of male migrants reflected moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and mild manifestations of stress symptoms. These results underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the coping mechanisms and mental health needs of migrants to provide appropriate support and interventions.

Background/Objective: Informal caregiving for individuals with severe mental disorders (SMDs) often leads to significant psychological distress. However, the specific coping strategies that determine mental health outcomes among siblings remain poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the predictive capacity of various coping strategies regarding health, perceived stress, self-esteem, and caregiving experience for siblings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of siblings of patients with SMDs (N = 60) from mental health service. Self-report measures were used to assess perceived health, perceived stress, self-esteem, coping strategies, and caregiving experience. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for each dependent variable, controlling for collinearity. Results: The siblings reported a higher mean use of problem-focused coping strategies compared to emotion-focused coping strategies. Regression models were statistically significant for all analyzed variables, except for somatic symptoms. Emotion-focused maladaptive coping (EFMC) strategies emerged as the most consistent and powerful predictor, showing a significant association with positive caregiving appraisal (β = 0.657), depression (β = 0.500), poor health (β = 0.453), negative stress (β = 0.449), social dysfunction (β = 0.429), self-esteem (β = -0.390), and anxiety (β = 0.368). In contrast, problem-focused strategies were largely non-significant, except for an association with positive and negative aspects of caregiving (βPFMC = 0.509, βPFMC = 0.312, respectively), and positive stress (βPFAC = -0.272). Conclusions: These results suggest that while siblings of people with SMDs report a greater use of problem-focused coping strategies, the adoption of EFMC strategies is the most detrimental factor observed, given their negative influence on mental health, self-esteem, and caregiving experience.

AimsThe aims of our study were to assess and to examine i. the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical residents working on the front and second line, ii. the association between coping strategies, resilience and optimism and different mental health outcomes like stress, anxiety, and depression among the medical residents’ workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and iii. the coping strategies used on the same sample with consideration of different factors like seniority, frontliner, gender and coping style.MethodAn electronic survey was sent to all medical residents in Qatar. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 Items. Professional quality of life was measured by the Professional Quality of Life measure. The coping mechanisms were assessed with the Brief-COPE, resilience by the Brief Resilience Scale, and optimism by the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R).ResultOf the 640 medical residents contacted, 127 (20%) responded. A considerable proportion of residents reported symptoms of depression (42.5%), anxiety (41.7%) and stress (30.7%). Multivariate analysis of variance showed significant effects of seniority in residency, with junior residents having poorer outcomes. In addition, there was a statistically significant interaction effect with moderate effect sizes between gender and working on the front line, as well as gender, working on the front line and seniority, on mental health outcomes. The most commonly used coping strategies were acceptance, religion, and active coping. The least reported coping strategies were substance use and denial. Avoidant coping style scores were higher among junior residents (p = .032) and non-COVID-19 frontliners (p = .039). Optimism LOT-R score was higher in senior than in junior residents (p < .001). Another important finding is that optimism and resilience were associated with better mental health outcomes. In addition, we find that avoidant coping style is highly associated with depression.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on junior residents’ mental health. Preventive measures to reduce stress levels and easy access to professional mental health services are crucial. This study also raises awareness among residency programs on the psychological and coping responses and strategies of medical residents.

Background: Healthcare workers are often exposed to high levels of stress due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Prolonged exposure to stress can negatively affect both physical and mental health, leading to burnout and decreased work efficiency. The work environment in healthcare settings, along with coping strategies, plays a crucial role in determining the emotional well-being of healthcare professionals. This study investigates the impact of healthcare workers' job environment on their emotional health and the coping strategies they employ. Methods: This study was conducted with a sample of 400 healthcare professionals . Participants, aged 21 to 58, were selected through stratified random sampling. A standardized instrument, the Coping Strategies for Stressful Events (CSSE), was used to assess the coping strategies employed by participants. Demographic data and healthcare roles were collected through a separate questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.16, with t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to examine relationships between coping strategies, work environment, and mental health outcomes. Results: The study found significant differences in coping strategies between male and female healthcare professionals, with females tending to use more emotion-centered strategies like wishful thinking and seeking divine support. Health status, family status, and years of employment also influenced the coping strategies used. Healthcare workers with better health were more likely to use positive strategies, while those with fewer years of experience employed problem-solving strategies more frequently. A positive correlation was found between the use of problem-solving and positive reassessment strategies and better emotional well-being. Conclusion: The emotional health of healthcare professionals is significantly influenced by both their work environment and coping strategies. Positive coping strategies, particularly problem-solving and positive reassessment, contribute to better mental and emotional well-being. Factors such as health status, family situation, and years of experience also play key roles in determining the coping strategies employed. These findings highlight the importance of creating supportive work environments and promoting effective coping strategies to improve healthcare workers' emotional health and job satisfaction.

Black faculty are underrepresented in the academy, and it is critical to clarify an understanding of how racism and privilege influence people of color working in academia. The aim of this paper is to examine the experiences of Black full-time faculty with racial microaggressions at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Seven Black faculty members were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The results revealed the following themes of how microaggressions are experienced: ignored input; challenged credibility; cultural exclusion; encouraged to look away from discrimination; and stereotypes and intersection challenges. Furthermore, themes on coping strategies are found: overworking, outside support and self-care, and denial versus confrontation. It was found that faith, family, and extra university community support improved coping. Additionally, changing cultural mindsets and institutional support were noted as key to navigating the normal course of inquiry in higher education.

BackgroundYouth in conflict and post-conflict settings are exposed to a variety of potentially-traumatic events that impact their mental health and well-being. The purposes of this study were to examine coping strategies among conflict-affected youth exposed to potentially-traumatic events and the relationship to psychological symptoms and well-being in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsA total of 434 male and female youth (ages 10–15 years) completed data collection with a trained Congolese interviewer. The survey instrument included measures of exposure to potentially traumatic events, an adapted coping strategies checklist, and measures of psychosocial distress and well-being. Exploratory factor analyses was used to identify coping strategies and Hierarchical regression was used to assess how coping strategies were associated with psychological symptoms including internalizing and externalizing problems and well-being outcomes including prosocial behavior and self-esteem.ResultsExploratory Factor analysis suggested four coping strategies; problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidance and faith-based strategies. Problem-focused coping strategies were associated with greater internalizing and externalizing problems and lower prosocial behavior in both boys and girls. However, when problem-focused strategies were used with emotion-focused coping strategies, the result was fewer internalizing problems in girls and fewer externalizing problems in boys and girls. Emotion-focused, avoidance and faith based strategies were associated with better self-esteem.ConclusionThese results suggest a complex relationship between coping strategies, psychological symptoms and well-being and contradict evidence that problem-focused strategies benefit mental health while emotion-focused strategies harm mental health, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings. The results suggest coping flexibility, or use of multiple coping strategies may be particularly useful to improving mental health and well-being. The need for context specific understandings of coping strategies in conflict-affected populations is highlighted by the results of the study.

PROTOCOL: Cognitive‐Behavioural Therapies for Young People in Outpatient Treatment for Non‐Opioid Drug Use

BackgroundChildren and young people (CYP) or adolescents from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health due to various factors, including discrimination, socioeconomic inequalities, cultural barriers, and mental health stigma, however coping strategies or support they receive to overcome their mental health remain dysfunctional.MethodsThis research used a participatory co-production design to engage with Asian or Asian British CYP aged 10-19 years to understand their perceptions and experiences of mental health and wellbeing, mental health services access and utilisation, and examined coping strategies, formal or informal support used by them to overcome their poor mental health. We conducted fourteen semi-structured interviews with CYP, followed by a participatory co-production workshop with twelve stakeholders.ResultsThe key findings from this research were summarised in the four overarching themes: i) Perceptions of CYP towards mental health and its services; ii) Practices of coping strategies; iii) Challenges and barriers in dealing with mental health at family and society level; iv) Challenges and barriers in dealing with mental health at the institutional level. Stigma, cultural barriers, misconceptions and fear of discrimination were some of the key issues that shaped perceptions of CYP towards mental health and available services. CYP relied mainly on informal support received from peers or family members because of confidentiality and trust issues with healthcare providers due to a lack of culturally sensitive support services and underrepresentation of health professionals from minority groups.ConclusionsDespite several efforts implemented for mental health promotion among ethnic minority groups, they are still struggling to access professional support services to manage their mental health issues effectively and lack adequate knowledge and skills on healthy coping strategies.Key messages• CYP from minority groups still struggle to access professional support services to manage their mental health issues effectively and lack adequate knowledge and skills on healthy coping strategies.• The compounded impact of interrelated socioeconomic and cultural factors creates complex barriers for CYP from ethnic minority groups towards accessing and receiving appropriate mental health services.