Holmes, S. C., et al. (2024).
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 20(1).
Abstract
Racial stress and racial trauma refer to psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses to race-based threats and discriminatory experiences. This article reviews the evidence base regarding techniques for coping with racial stress and trauma. These techniques include self-care, self-compassion, social support, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, cognitive defusion, identity-affirming practices and development of racial/ethnic identity, expressive writing, social action and activism, and psychedelics. These strategies have shown the potential to mitigate psychological symptoms and foster a sense of empowerment among individuals affected by racial stress and trauma. While the ultimate goal should undoubtedly be to address the root cause of racism, it is imperative to acknowledge that until then, implementing these strategies can effectively provide much-needed support for individuals affected by racism.
Here are some thoughts:
This article explores coping mechanisms for racial stress and trauma, acknowledging the ongoing need to dismantle racism itself. It reviews various strategies including self-care, mindfulness, and social support, all showing promise in reducing negative mental health effects. The research also highlights the importance of tailoring these strategies. While expressive writing and activism can be helpful, cultural factors and access to social support can influence their effectiveness. The article suggests a potential benefit to building foundational coping skills like self-compassion before engaging in more challenging strategies. This staged approach aligns with existing trauma recovery models, emphasizing safety and self-care before delving into deeper emotional processing.
