Race, Ethnicity, John Henryism, and Depressive Symptoms: The National Survey of American Life Adult Reinterview

Chronic John Henryism when the root cause of stress cannot be changed may lead to health deterioration.

“chronic use of John Henryism in situations where the root cause of stress cannot be changed or addressed, such as negative academic stereotypes toward Black students and race-based mistreatment, may lead to a deterioration of health (Greer & Brown, 2011; Neighbors et al., 2007).”

John Henryism is more prevalent among Black individuals than among White individuals.

“John Henryism has been found to be more prevalent among Black individuals relative to their White counterparts (Bennett et al., 2004; Neighbors et al., 2007).”

John Henryism has been argued to reduce perceived stress, which may lower risk of negative mood symptoms.

“John Henrysim has been argued to reduce perceptions of stress (Haritatos et al., 2007), which may also decrease the risk of negative mood symptoms (Neighbors et al., 2007).”

A supplemental analysis by Neighbors, Njai, and Jackson (2007) suggested that John Henryism's impact on depressive symptoms may be similar for Black women and men.

“Neighbors, Njai, and Jackson (2007) presented a supplemental analysis to suggest that the impact of John Henryism on depressive symptoms may be similar among Black women and men.”

Prior studies demonstrate that among Black Americans, the relationship between John Henryism and depressive symptoms is consistent across levels of household income and gender.

“For example, prior studies demonstrate that among Black Americans, the relationship between John Henryism and depressive symptoms is consistent across levels of household income and gender (Neighbors et al. 2007).”