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Cited by 68Racial and Ethnic Identity ResearchHealth disparities and outcomesResilience and Mental Health

Is John Henryism a Health Risk or Resource?: Exploring the Role of Culturally Relevant Coping for Physical and Mental Health among Black Americans.

Open access
Robinson, Millicent N., Thomas Tobin, Courtney S.·2021·Journal of Health and Social Behavior
DOI 10.1177/00221465211009142PMC PMC8370445
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Abstract

Research shows that John Henryism, a high-effort, active coping style, is associated with poor physical health, whereas others suggest it may be psychologically beneficial. As such, it is unclear whether John Henryism represents a health risk or resource for black Americans and whether its impact varies across sociodemographic and gender groups. The present study used data from a representative community sample of black Americans (n = 627) from the Nashville Stress and Health Study (2011-2014) to clarify the physical and mental health consequences of John Henryism by assessing its relationship with depressive symptoms and allostatic load (AL). Results indicate that John Henryism is associated with increased AL scores and fewer depressive symptoms. Additionally, the association between John Henryism and AL is conditional on socioeconomic status. Study results underscore the importance of evaluating both physical and mental health to clarify the health significance of John Henryism among black Americans.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1177/00221465211009142

Cites

57 of 57 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

19 of 99 cited sources checked · 9 supported · 1 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    A recent systematic review of the John Henryism hypothesis among Black women found mixed results.

    “A recent systematic review of the JHH among Black women also demonstrated mixed findings”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Felix et al. 2019 source
  • Premisecitation

    A large body of research documents that Black Americans often report positive mental health despite limited socioeconomic resources, high social stress exposure, and poor physical health.

    “A substantial body of research has documented paradoxical health patterns among Black Americans such that this group generally reports positive mental health (i.e., a lower prevalence of psychiatric disorders) despite limited socioeconomic resources, heightened exposure to social stress, and poor physical health outcomes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Barnes and Bates 2017 source
    • cites Mouzon et al. 2016 source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) describes a substantial body of research finding lower rates of psychiatric disorders among Black Americans than White Americans despite lower socioeconomic status, and it discusses chronic exposure to stressful conditions. It does not establish the claimed paradox in relation to poor physical health outcomes; the Discussion addresses physical health as a correlate of distress, not as part of that race-comparative pattern. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Thomas Tobin 2021 source
  • Interpretationcitation

    For Black Americans, high levels of John Henryism may provide the fortitude to overcome daily challenges associated with living in the racialized society of the United States.

    “For Black Americans in particular, high levels of John Henryism may provide the fortitude to overcome the daily challenges associated with living in the racialized society of the United States (Hudson et al. 2016; James 1994, 2019; Kiecolt et al. 2009).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Hudson et al. 2016 source
    • cites James 1994 source
    • cites James 2019 source
  • Premisecitation

    It is more difficult for Black Americans to achieve and maintain higher socioeconomic status and increased wealth compared to white Americans due to multiple barriers facilitated by structural racism.

    “Prior research has demonstrated that it is more difficult for Black Americans to achieve and maintain higher SES and increased wealth compared to white Americans due to multiple barriers facilitated by structural racism (Brown et al. 2016; Darity et al. 2018; Darity and Mason 1998; Farmer and Ferraro 2005; Hudson et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brown et al. 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Darity et al. 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Darity and Mason 1998 source

      The Theoretical Backdrop (page not provided) says that discrimination has persisted for generations and that education and work experience do not fully explain racial wage and employment differences. The paper supports barriers to earnings and occupational status for Black Americans, but the cited passages do not establish the broader claim about achieving and maintaining wealth. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Premisecitation

    Barriers such as fewer opportunities for economic growth and diminished returns related to acquisition of resources such as education contribute to increased stress exposure among Black Americans.

    “More specifically, these barriers, which include fewer opportunities for economic growth and diminished returns related to the acquisition of resources such as education, subsequently contribute to increased stress exposure among Black Americans (Brown et al. 2016; Darity et al. 2018; Darity and Mason 1998; Farmer and Ferraro 2005; Hudson et al. 2020; James 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brown et al. 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Darity et al. 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Darity and Mason 1998 source

      The paper’s Regression Evidence on Racial Discrimination section reports earnings losses for Black men due to labor-market discrimination, supporting the claim about economic barriers. The Theoretical Backdrop discusses how employment rejection can reduce opportunities and emotional well-being, but it does not establish that these barriers increase stress exposure among Black Americans or specifically document diminished returns to education. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 38
  • May combine two claims. 25

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Past research has demonstrated that John Henryism is harmful for physical health while simultaneously beneficial for mental health.

    “Past research has demonstrated that John Henryism is harmful for physical health while simultaneously beneficial for mental health (Bennett et al. 2004; Bonham et al. 2004; James et al. 1983).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites Bonham et al. 2004 source

      The Results report a trend toward better, not worse, physical health with higher John Henryism scores among high-SES African American men (P = .069); the Discussion likewise describes John Henryism as beneficial for health in this group. The paper does not report a mental-health benefit. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Allostatic load is an appropriate measure of physical health status because it captures the physiological impact of cumulative adversity and provides an overall assessment better than individual health outcomes.

    “AL is an appropriate measure of physical health status for a few reasons. Not only does AL assess the physiological impact of cumulative adversity, this measure of physiological dysregulation also provides an overall examination of physical health status that may be better suited than examining individual health outcomes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Brown, Turner, and Moore 2016 source
    • cites McEwen and Seeman 1999 source
    • cites Ong et al. 2017 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Prior work shows that John Henryism raises the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular-disease-related outcomes.

    “prior work has demonstrated that John Henryism increases risk for hypertension and cardiovascular-disease-related outcomes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites James 1994 source

      The Summary of Research Findings (page not specified) reports higher hypertension prevalence among people with both low socioeconomic status and high John Henryism. It also says the cross-sectional studies cannot establish cause and effect; high John Henryism paired with high socioeconomic status may be protective. The paper does not report John Henryism-related cardiovascular-disease outcomes, so the claim overstates both the scope and certainty of the findings. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    High-effort coping can be physiologically taxing, increasing bodily stress and leading to poorer physical health.

    “This may be because high-effort coping can be physiologically strenuous, which contributes to increased stress on the body that eventually results in less than optimal physical health”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites James 1994 source

      In “The John Henryism Hypothesis,” the paper says frequent high-effort coping is expected to cause sympathetic nervous system arousal and, over time, higher blood pressure, particularly among people of low socioeconomic status. The “Summary of Research Findings” also links prolonged high-effort coping combined with high stress to elevated hypertension risk. This supports a physiological health cost, but the claim broadens a conditional finding about blood pressure and hypertension to poorer physical health generally. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Most research on John Henryism and health has examined physical health and concluded that John Henryism harms physical health.

    “Most of the research assessing the link between John Henryism and health has focused on physical health outcomes, concluding that John Henryism is detrimental for physical health”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites James 1994 source

      The Introduction and Research Setting focus on hypertension and blood pressure, supporting the claim that this paper examines physical health outcomes. But the Summary of Research Findings links elevated hypertension risk to high John Henryism under low socioeconomic status and stress; it also suggests high John Henryism could be protective among people with high socioeconomic status. The blanket conclusion that John Henryism harms physical health overstates these conditional, cross-sectional findings. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some research suggests there may be important gender differences in the health consequences of John Henryism.

    “some research suggests that there may be important gender differences in its health consequences”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites Dressler, Bindon, and Neggers 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Subramanyam et al. 2013 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    High levels of psychological distress and poor physical health tend to be prevalent among Black Americans.

    “At the same time, high levels of psychological distress (i.e., depressive symptoms) and poor physical health tend to be prevalent among this group (Barnes and Bates 2017; Mouzon et al. 2016; Thomas Tobin 2021; Thomas Tobin et al. 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Barnes and Bates 2017 source
    • cites Mouzon et al. 2016 source

      The Introduction says race-comparative studies generally find higher psychological distress among Black Americans, though it later describes the evidence on racial differences as equivocal. The Results do not establish that poor physical health is prevalent: respondents’ average self-rated physical health fell between “good” and “very good.” The paper links poorer self-rated health with greater distress, but that association does not support the prevalence claim. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites Thomas Tobin 2021 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The allostatic load measure counted 10 high-risk biomarkers; scores ran from 0 to 10, and higher values meant more physiological dysregulation across systems.

    “Total AL scores were based on a count of these high-risk biomarkers and ranged from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater physiological dysregulation across bodily systems”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Geronimus et al. 2006 source
    • cites Thomas Tobin et al. 2019 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The John Henryism Hypothesis posits that engaging in high-effort coping with minimal socioeconomic resources increases the risk of developing hypertension and other chronic physical health conditions.

    “The John Henryism Hypothesis posits that engaging in high-effort coping with minimal socioeconomic resources increases the risk of developing hypertension and other chronic physical health conditions (James 1994; James et al. 1983).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites James 1994 source

      In “The John Henryism Hypothesis” (page unavailable), James predicts that persistent high-effort coping among people of low socioeconomic status contributes to higher hypertension prevalence. The Introduction (page unavailable) says the discussion may have implications for other stress-related health problems, but it does not state that the hypothesis predicts an increased risk of developing other chronic physical conditions. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Depressive symptoms were measured with the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which had an alpha of .89.

    “Depressive symptoms were evaluated by using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), which includes 20 items (α = .89)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Radloff 1977 source

      The Development of the Scale section identifies the CES-D as a 20-item measure of depressive symptoms. The internal-consistency passage reports coefficient alpha of about .85 in general-population samples and about .90 in a patient sample, but does not establish the cited α = .89. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    John Henryism developed as a response to addressing challenges related to structural racism.

    “These findings also relate to the premise that John Henryism developed as a response to addressing challenges related to structural racism (James 1994, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites James 1994 source
    • cites James 2019 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    One of the environmental affordances model's main arguments is that health-related self-regulatory coping strategies, such as substance use and consumption of unhealthy foods, although psychologically protective, are key contributing factors to poor physical health among Black Americans.

    “One of the EA model’s main arguments is that health-related self-regulatory coping strategies, such as substance use and consumption of unhealthy foods, although psychologically protective, are key contributing factors to poor physical health among Black Americans (Jackson et al. 2010; Mezuk et al. 2013).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Jackson et al. 2010 source
    • cites Mezuk et al. 2013 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    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.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Neighbors, Njai, and Jackson (2007) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Subramanyam et al. (2013) reported partial support for the John Henryism hypothesis for hypertension among Black men but not Black women.

    “Subramanyam and colleagues (2013) found partial support for the JHH with hypertension among Black men but not among Black women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Subramanyam and colleagues (2013)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    Black women's distinct experiences of gendered racism may shape how John Henryism affects health.

    “Black women’s distinct experiences of gendered racism1 may condition the health impact of John Henryism”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites James 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    An individual's social position influences which coping resources are available, what kinds they are, and how well they work for health.

    “Research has shown that an individual’s social position shapes access to coping resources, the types of coping resources, and the efficacy of these coping resources, particularly as it relates to health outcomes”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Meyer et al. 2008 source
    • cites Pearlin et al. 1981 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Hudson and colleagues (2016) supported the negative relation between John Henryism and depression among Black Americans.

    “a finding that Hudson and colleagues (2016) supported for depression among Black Americans”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hudson and colleagues (2016)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Prior research has found no gender differences in John Henryism scores among Black Americans.

    “Although prior research has shown no gender differences in the John Henryism scores of Black Americans”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Depressive symptoms are a strong indicator of subclinical risk and general distress, and stress exposure tends to affect them.

    “Assessing depressive symptoms is beneficial because they provide a strong assessment of subclinical risk and generalized distress, which tends to be influenced by stress exposure”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Kessler 1979 source
    • cites Pearlin et al. 1981 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dressler and colleagues (1998) found that among Black men hypertension risk rises with higher John Henryism, while among Black women hypertension risk falls with higher John Henryism.

    “Dressler and colleagues (1998) noted that among Black men, the risk of hypertension increases at higher levels of John Henryism. However, risk for hypertension decreases with increasing John Henryism among Black women.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Dressler and colleagues (1998)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Allostatic load is typically defined as an indicator of physiological dysregulation that occurs in response to stress.

    “AL is typically defined as an indicator physiological dysregulation that occurs as a response to stress”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McEwen and Seeman 1999 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The social stress paradigm holds that disadvantaged groups have worse physical and mental health than advantaged groups because they face more stressors, lifetime adversity, and fewer socioeconomic resources.

    “The SSP posits that groups of disadvantaged status will have poorer physical and mental health outcomes than groups of advantaged status due to increased exposure to stressors, lifetime adversity, and fewer socioeconomic resources”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Barnes and Bates 2017 source
    • cites Williams et al. 1997 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Wilson 2009

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The social stress paradigm holds that individual coping resources can buffer the negative health effects of social stress.

    “the SSP emphasizes the role of coping resources as a vital part of the stress process and posits that these individual-level attributes may buffer the negative effects of social stress on health”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Turner, Taylor, and Van Gundy 2004 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The John Henryism hypothesis holds that low-SES individuals with high John Henryism are more likely to have poor health outcomes such as hypertension because high-effort coping combines with limited socioeconomic resources.

    “The John Henryism hypothesis (JHH) argues that low-SES individuals who engage in high levels of John Henryism are more likely to report poor health outcomes, such as hypertension, due to the combination of high-effort coping and a lack of socioeconomic resources”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites James 1994, 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The present study is the first to examine the link between John Henryism and allostatic load among Black American adults.

    “The present study is the first to assess the links between John Henryism and AL among Black American adults”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Evidence suggests John Henryism benefits mental health but may harm physical health.

    “Thus, evidence suggests that John Henryism is beneficial for mental health but potentially detrimental for physical health”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bennett et al. 2004 source
    • cites James et al. 1983 source
    • cites Kiecolt et al. 2009 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Missing sociodemographic or biological data affected under 1% of the sample.

    “Less than 1% of the sample was missing sociodemographic or biological information”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    Based on the John Henryism Hypothesis, those with high socioeconomic status should experience more optimal physical health while engaging in increased levels of John Henryism compared to individuals with low and moderate socioeconomic status, due to additional access to financial resources.

    “Based on the JHH, those with high SES should experience more optimal physical health while engaging in increased levels of John Henryism, compared to individuals with low and moderate SES, due to their additional access to increased financial resources.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Prior work indicates that psychosocial resources like mastery and John Henryism may have a threshold beyond which their effects become dysfunctional.

    “Prior research suggests that a “threshold for dysfunction” is possible when assessing the efficacy of psychosocial resources such as mastery and John Henryism”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kiecolt et al. 2009 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Although higher levels of psychosocial resources are generally beneficial for health, the association may not be linear.

    “although studies indicate that higher levels of psychosocial resources are beneficial for health, this association may not be linear”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kiecolt et al. 2009 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The influence of gender on John Henryism remains unclear.

    “Furthermore, although the role of SES has been widely evaluated within John Henryism literature, the influence of gender remains unclear (James 2019).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites James 2019 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Giving equal weight to education, income, and occupational prestige yielded a broader SES measure and less loss of data on individual indicators.

    “By weighing education, income, and occupational prestige equally, we created a more comprehensive assessment of SES while reducing the potential for data loss on specific indicators”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    For Black Americans, engaging in high John Henryism as psychosocial coping may protect mental health while posing major physical health risks.

    “To this end, our findings suggest that for Black Americans, engaging in high John Henryism as a form of psychosocial coping may serve to protect the mental health of this group while simultaneously posing major physical health risks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    John Henryism may be both a health risk and resource for Black Americans.

    “Interestingly, results indicate that this construct may be both a health risk and resource, providing new insights into the ways that John Henryism shapes health and underscoring the need to examine both physical and mental health to clarify the distinct health patterns of this group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    John Henryism was measured with a 12-item scale (alpha = .72) developed by James et al.

    “John Henryism was assessed with a 12-item (α = .72) measure developed and utilized by James et al. (1983, 1992).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites James et al. (1983, 1992)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Earlier work on John Henryism and health likewise used an SES index, recognizing that education and occupation carry different meanings and economic returns for Black Americans than for other groups.

    “Prior studies examining the health effects of John Henryism also implemented an SES index due to recognition that there are differences in both the meaning and economic benefits of distinct forms of socioeconomic resources (i.e., education and occupation) for Black Americans compared to other groups”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites James et al. 1987, 1992

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The Nashville Stress and Health Study had a response rate 1 of 30.2, cooperation rate 1 of 74.2, refusal rate 1 of 30.2, and contact rate 1 of 40.7.

    “Response Rate 1 = 30.2; Cooperation Rate 1 = 74.2; Refusal Rate 1 = 30.2, Contact Rate 1 = 40.7”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The Nashville Stress and Health Study drew a random sample using multistage stratification.

    “A multistage, stratified sampling approach was used to obtain a random sample.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Black American homes were oversampled, but sampling weights were used to allow generalizability to Davidson County, Tennessee.

    “Black American homes were oversampled; however, sampling weights were used to allot for generalizability to Davidson County, Tennessee.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    High socioeconomic status Black Americans may face additional challenges and stressors despite access to increased financial resources, which may negate the health benefits of these resources.

    “Findings suggest that high SES Black Americans may face additional challenges and stressors despite their access to increased financial resources, which may negate the health benefits of these resources.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    John Henryism is both harmful for physical health yet beneficial for mental health.

    “This demonstrates that John Henryism is both harmful for physical health yet beneficial for mental health.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    John Henryism is different from other psychosocial resources within the social stress paradigm framework because it can be both a health resource and a risk for Black Americans.

    “Thus, our findings underscore that John Henryism is in fact different from other psychosocial resources within the SSP framework given that this form of coping can be both a health resource and a risk for Black”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    John Henryism does not necessarily involve passion for achieving goals.

    “An individual can theoretically engage in John Henryism to get through the day or the week, and John Henryism does not necessarily involve passion for achieving goals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The NSAHS (2011-2014) data are limited to a regional sample from Tennessee, so the sample is not representative of all Black Americans.

    “Second, although the NSAHS (2011–2014) is a suitable data set for our research questions due to its socioeconomically diverse sample of Black Americans, these data are limited to a regional sample from Tennessee. As such, this sample is not representative of all Black Americans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    John Henryism may be protective or harmful depending on one's socioeconomic status and whether physical or mental health is examined.

    “Overall, our study sought to answer the question of whether John Henryism is a health risk or resource, and findings suggest that John Henryism may be protective or harmful depending on one’s SES and whether physical or mental health is examined.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    John Henryism is not specific to long-term goals.

    “For instance, although it may be utilized over extended periods of time, John Henryism is not specific to long-term goals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    John Henryism involves a dedication to succeed and address environmental stressors with individual action.

    “Rather, there is a dedication to succeed and address environmental stressors with individual action (James 2019; James et al. 1983).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites James 2019 source
    • cites James et al. 1983 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    John Henryism contributes to poor physical health outcomes while concurrently promoting positive mental health among Black Americans.

    “Relatedly, our findings demonstrate that John Henryism also contributes to poor physical health outcomes while concurrently promoting positive mental health among this group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The dual risk-resource characteristics of John Henryism have been reflected in other coping studies on Black Americans, including those assessing the environmental affordances model.

    “For instance, the dual risk-resource characteristics of John Henryism have been reflected in other coping studies on Black Americans, including those assessing the environmental affordances (EA) model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Because allostatic load is a comprehensive measure of health capturing preclinical physiological dysregulation, this research can aid in understanding how chronic stress and high-effort coping facilitate poor health outcomes among Black Americans.

    “Because AL is a comprehensive measure of health that captures preclinical physiological dysregulation, this research can be used to further aid in understanding the ways in which chronic stress and subsequent high-effort coping facilitate poor health outcomes among this group.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Allostatic load is a comprehensive measure of health that captures preclinical physiological dysregulation.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    As John Henryism levels increase among women, their depressive symptomatology decreases.

    “Additionally, Bronder and colleagues (2014) found that as John Henryism levels increase among women, this group’s depressive symptomatology decreases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bronder and colleagues (2014)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The present research adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating paradoxical health patterns among Black Americans.

    “Finally, the present research adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the paradoxical health patterns among Black Americans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
52 of 52

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Allostatic load is a comprehensive measure of health that captures preclinical physiological dysregulation.

    “Because AL is a comprehensive measure of health that captures preclinical physiological dysregulation, this research can be used to further aid in understanding the ways in which chronic stress and subsequent high-effort coping facilitate poor health outcomes among this group.”
1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 58 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Darity William, 2018, Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity and Insight Center for Community Economic Development, 1, 1
  2. Thomas Tobin Courtney S., 2019, Preventive Medicine Reports, 15
  3. Turner R. Jay, 2016, Social Science & Medicine, 156
  4. Wilson Kanetha B., 2017, Preventive Medicine, 96

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Robinson, M. N., & Thomas Tobin, C. S.
Affiliations
  • University of California, Los Angeles (US)
  • University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Corresponding author
Robinson, Millicent N.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2021-06
Volume
62
Issue
2
Pages
136-151
ISSN
  • 0022-1465 (ISSN-L)
  • 2150-6000
DOI
10.1177/00221465211009142
PMC
PMC8370445
OpenAlex
W3168466979
Cited by
68
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 4
FWCI
15.23
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Health and Social Behavior (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research and the National Institute on Aging (R01AG034067)
  • california center for population research, university of california, los angeles (P2CHD041022)
  • Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research Center for Health Improvement of Minority Elderly (P30-AG021684)
  • UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UL1TR001881)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Racial and Ethnic Identity Research
  • Social Sciences › Health › Health disparities and outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
Keywords
John Henryism, coping styles, African Americans, allostatic load, depressive symptoms, physical health, mental health, socioeconomic status, gender differences, stress and health
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Black or African American, Humans, Mental Health, Social Class

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-09-28.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-09-28.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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