Health problems among African-American women: A psychosomatic model.

Abstract

A psychosomatic model of illness among African-American Women is presented. The study used survey and ethnographic interview methodologies. Most survey and interview respondents were staff/employees at the University of Michigan. Surveyed 76 African-American women between ages of 21 and 50, focussed on number of Health Problems experienced in preceding 12 months, Problematic Life Circumstances, Psychological Distress, and Coping. Results showed that Problematic Life Circumstances had different predictions for health status. Two path diagrams were constructed showing that Path A--Problems with family and children was associated with unwillingness to express feelings, especially angry feelings, but also fewer health problems. Path B--Problems with friends and coworkers--predicted more health problems, but is associated with Anger over injustices, Trait Hostility, Perception of Discrimination in the workplace, Problems with Finances, and Problems with family and children. Ethnographic Interviews were conducted with a self-selected sample (n = 10) having similar work affiliations. These results showed that social alienation from family and friends, and feelings of distrust characterized Path B. Path A was characterized by greater family and social involvement, and mentions of family as a source of moral strength.