The Consequence of the Cape

A Mixed-Methods Inquiry into the Sociocultural Stressors Impacting Black Women's Health

Bibliographic Data

ID4928119
AuthorsSamantha R Jones (0000-0002-2275-0502, Augusta University, corresponding author), Debbynie Barsh (0009-0000-1391-0538, Augusta University), Lillie D Williamson (0000-0001-5735-1416, University of Wisconsin–Madison), Kathleen Mcintyre (0000-0001-6835-1892, Augusta University), Christy J W Ledford (0000-0001-5523-454X, Augusta University)
Year2025
Publication date2025-09-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s40615-025-02636-x
PMID40982136
OpenAlexW4414408367
LanguageEN
References cited78

Background Black women face a disproportionate burden of health issues, including higher rates of aggressive breast cancer and chronic stress-related conditions. This study examines how sociocultural identity and stressors impact health outcomes among Black women. Methods Using a convergent mixed-methods design, we analyzed qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 50 Black women aged 18-49 and quantitative data from a similar subset of respondents to the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Integrated analysis mixed Sort and Shift, Think and Shift qualitative analysis with analyses of covariance from the quantitative data. Results Through integrated analysis, we developed a model of how sociocultural identities and experiences of Black women impact their health. The resulting quantitative analysis showed that race was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Women who reported worse feelings about income, greater social isolation, or less meaning and purpose also scored higher with depressive indicators. Conclusion The intersectional stressors Black women face contribute to adverse health outcomes, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive health interventions and policies that address the specific identity-based stressors affecting this population. Recognizing and addressing these unique stressors are essential steps for healthcare providers and policymakers to improve health equity. Such efforts are vital in reducing health disparities, especially in relation to aggressive breast cancer and other chronic conditions that disproportionately impact Black women

Health care · Health equity · Psychological intervention · Public health · Quality of Life Research · Race and health · Sociocultural evolution · Stressor · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Migration, Health and Trauma · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research