Coping Mechanisms and Health Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of African American and Caucasian Communities

Abstract

Coping mechanisms—the behavioral and cognitive strategies used to manage stress—play a critical role in determining both mental and physical health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between coping styles and health disparities in African American and Caucasian communities in the United States. Drawing on literature from psychology, sociology, and public health, it highlights how cultural norms, structural inequities, and historical experiences shape stress responses and coping choices. Specifically, African American populations often rely on emotion-focused and spiritual coping rooted in collective resilience, whereas Caucasian populations tend to adopt more problem-focused and individual coping strategies. These differences influence outcomes such as hypertension, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Using a narrative review design, the study synthesizes evidence from the Jackson Heart Study and related epidemiologic data to demonstrate how coping mediates the impact of stress on health. The findings underscore the need for culturally tailored interventions that integrate spiritual, social, and psychological resources to promote adaptive coping and reduce health inequities.