Publications [#254445] of Keith E. Whitfield

Journal Articles

1. Bennett, GG; Merritt, MM; III, JJS; Edwards, CL; Whitfield, KE; Brandon, DT; Tucker, RD (2004). Stress, coping, and health outcomes among African-Americans: A review of the John Henryism hypothesis. Psychology and Health, 19(3), 369-383. [doi]
   (last updated on 2017/07/31)

   Abstract:
   The John Henryism (JH) hypothesis argues that prolonged high-effort coping with chronic psychosocial stressors may be associated with elevated risk for negative health outcomes among those without sufficient socioeconomic resources. Early JH studies found a significant association between high JH, low socioeconomic status, and hypertension among African-Americans. More recently, these findings have been extended to a wide array of health status outcomes, including cardiovascular reactivity, neurohormonal secretion, and negative health behaviors. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of JHs conceptual bases and empirical support. Limitations of the construct are discussed and recommendations are made to guide future theoretical and research efforts in the area.