Insights on Self-Perceptions, Coping, and Racism from Wives, Husbands, and Youth in Strong, Religious African American Families

Despite several deleterious systemic stressors, such as racism and financial strain, African Americans have often leaned on religion and resilience to establish strength in their personal and familial lives. Yet, there remains a significant need for more studies on exactly how African American individuals and families have utilized their resources to remain strong. Accordingly, the present study takes an in-depth look at 46 strong African American families (N = 97 individuals) and features their own voices as they discuss surviving and thriving. The sampled families represent 46 husbands (M = 56 years, SD = 14), 46 wives (M = 54 years, SD = 14), and 5 adolescent children (four girls and one boy) ranging in age from 14-18 years old. For many, deep faith and family relationships are at the center of their coping responses. Utilizing an in-depth qualitative approach, core themes that emerged from this study included: (1) Maintaining Self-Awareness, (2) Accepting Best Efforts, (3) Using Love and Respect for Self to Cope with Racism, and (4) Belonging to God, Belonging to family. Narratives are offered to illustrate each of these themes.