Psychosocial Stressors and Buffers Affecting Black Women in Montreal

Abstract

Black women in Canada have not been the focus of intensive mental health research, even though data suggests they may be vulnerable to mental health disparities. The present study utilizes in-depth qualitative methods to explore the psychosocial experience of Black women in Montreal. Twelve women participated in semi-structured interviews that aimed to elicit principal psychosocial stressors and buffers. Three notable stressors emerged from analyses: financial adversity, racism, and absent fathers. Three notable buffers emerged from analyses: families, the church, and cultural pride. Implications for further research on this vulnerable population are discussed.