Examining the Link Between Racial Identity Attitudes and Racial Psychological Trauma for Black Individuals

• In Event: The Interconnections Between Racial Trauma and Emotional Well-Being

Abstract

As reports of racially motivated discrimination and violence due to the current political climate continue to expand, there has been concurrent growth in the research examining the psychological impact of such events. Aligned with Carter’s view of racially motivated encounters as racial trauma, we aimed to explore the relationships between race-based traumatic stress and racial identity statuses in an African American sample. We examined reactions to racism from memorable racial encounters as assessed by the Race-Based Traumatic Stress Symptoms Scale (Carter et al., 2013) and racial identity status attitudes as measured by the People of Color Racial Identity Attitude Scale (Helms, 1995). Findings underscored a connection between racial identity attitudes and increased psychological symptoms among Black individuals experiencing racist events.

Authors

• Jessica Ashley Mcfadzean, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Amy Reynolds

• Sunha Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY