Stress, Black Stress, and Techniques for Life Enrichment (From Technical Information and Assistance Center for Minorities in Corrections, 1982 - See NCJ-97736)

• NCJ Number: 97736
• Author(s): F B Phillips
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 24 pages
• Corporate Author: National Assoc of Blacks in Criminal Justice
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-97735.

Annotation

A discussion of stress in general and the particular stresses that black people experience concludes with a presentation of effective techniques for reducing stress.

Abstract

Black people must assume a leadership role in balancing technological achievement with the meeting of other needs. Both positive and negative events produce stress. Both stress and the process of adapting to it have four components: physiological, cognitive-affective, behavioral, and metaphysical. These processes affect organizations as well as individuals. Black stress is the set of adjustments that black people have made in response to the racist environmental structure of American society and the world. These stresses include environmental stresses, a confused concept of personal identity, confusion over cultural identity, and a sense of less control over the environment. Seven useful stress management techniques are relaxation exercises, visualization, positive thinking, assertiveness, emotional sharing, self-awareness, and cultural awareness. An eighth exercise that is valuable is the development of a life plan outlining goals and the means to reach them. Attached critiques and 13 references.