Perspectives of stress and coping among older, college-educated African American women: a constructivist grounded theory study

Background and Objectives Older African American women have excess rates of stress-associated chronic diseases. Yet, limited research exists that explores within-group differences in their stress exposures and coping responses. Specifically, limited research has investigated stress and coping among college-educated African American women in later life, and this study sought to fill this gap in the literature. Research Design and Methods Constructivist grounded theory methods informed this study. Sixteen semistructured interviews were conducted with older (aged 65+ years) African American women holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to reach the population of interest, including posting flyers in areas that might serve older African American women (local libraries, parks). Interviews focused on questions that elicited the women’s perceived stressors and identified coping strategies used to buffer stress and protect well-being. Data analysis procedures involved open and focused coding, analytical memo writing, and the constant comparative approach. Several strategies, including member-check interviews, were used to achieve rigor and minimize threats to trustworthiness. Results A spirit of survival emerged as the core category that underpins how women experience and respond to stress. Four primary stressors were reported, which included gendered racism, losing independence, romantic relationships, and financial strain. Women described diverse coping strategies, including friendships, religion and spirituality, community care, self-care, and self-numbing strategies. Discussion and Implications Findings provide evidence that can support the development of holistic stress-reduction interventions that integrate and center the unique stressors impacting well-educated older African American women and the coping strategies they use.