An Exploratory Study of Stress Coping and Resiliency of Black Men at One Medical School: A Critical Race Theory Perspective

Abstract

Black men have reported a number of stressful experiences during medical school training. Guided by Critical Race Theory, the authors examined the survey responses of 16 Black men who matriculated at one medical school to assess perceptions of medical school stress. The researchers identified several themes: (1) perceived academic inequities created tension between Black and non-Black medical students but provided bonding opportunities among Black male medical students, (2) stress negatively impacted academic performance and personal health, and (3) use of social support and spirituality contributed to coping and resiliency. For Black male medical students, the general stress of medical school can be compounded by additional race-related stress. Supporting the success of Black male medical students requires understanding perceived stressors, a focus on helping Black men build social and spiritual connections that contribute to resiliency, and active efforts at the organizational level to address perceptions of academic inequity.

Keywords: Black men in medical school; Race and ethnicity; Stress coping of Black men; Underrepresented minority students in medicine.