Measuring the Relationship of Race-Based Trauma, Racial Identity, and Spirituality

Abstract

Race-based trauma is a significant issue in the United States which disproportionally impacts the African American community. Racism has negatively affected the African American community; however, it is only recently that researchers could scientifically quantify its impact. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of race-based trauma in African American adults through race-based traumatic stress symptoms, Black identity attitudes, and spiritual and religious sentiments. This study identified significant predictive patterns in the race-based traumatic stress symptoms of African American adults that correspond with responses across domains of Black identity status, spirituality/religion, and age groups. The results offer insight into group variations within the African American community related to racial identity attitudes, spirituality, and religiosity, which may help clinicians better conceptualize and relate to their clients’ needs.