Date of Award
8-1-2013
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Chwalisz, Kathleen
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationships between daily hassle stressors (i.e., racial microaggressions and college hassle stress), racial identity, perceived stress, and depression among Black/African American college students. It was hypothesized that perceived stress would partially mediate the relationships between daily hassle stressors and depression. Racial identity was hypothesized to moderate the relationship between racial microaggressions and perceived stress. Data were analyzed from a sample of 142 Black/African American college students from a medium sized university in the Midwest. Utilizing EQS, a path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model. Findings from the analysis revealed that perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between college hassle stress and depression. Findings also revealed that perceived stress fully mediated the relationship between racial microaggressions and depression. Interestingly, a significant negative relationship was found between racial microaggressions and perceived stress. Racial identity was not a significant moderator in this study. Findings are indicative that Black/African American college students experience race-related stress differently than general daily hassles. Implications for future research, clinical interventions, and social justice initiatives are discussed.
Access
This dissertation is Open Access and may be downloaded by anyone.