Multiple Roles,Multiple Lives: The Protective Effects of Role Responsibilities on the Health Functioning of African American Mothers |
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| Authors: | Angela Rose Black PhD Velma McBride Murry PhD Carolyn E Cutrona PhD Yi-Fu Chen PhD |
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| Institution: | 1. Division of Community Health Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago, Illinois, USA;2. Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee, USA;3. Department of Psychology , Iowa State University , Ames, Iowa, USA;4. Center for Family Research, University of Georgia , Athens, Georgia, USA |
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| Abstract: | Using data from 747 rural African American mothers, this study incorporated role accumulation theory to test direct and indirect effects of stressors, coping behaviors, and role responsibilities on health functioning. Results indicated that demands emerging from financial strain were related to compromised mental health and decreases in mothers' use of effective coping strategies and role responsibility engagement. Conversely, mothers who effectively responded to stressors and fulfilled responsibilities to their children and communities experienced enhanced mental health, which in turn promoted optimal physical health. The results can inform research and intervention with African American women. |
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| Keywords: | African Americans health mothers role responsibilities stressors |
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