Family Functioning and Stress in African American Families: A Strength-Based Approach

Having social support substantially reduces the effects of stressful experiences. Family relationships are central components of social support for African Americans. In a community-based sample of African Americans (n = 255), the relationship between family functioning and stress was examined, as well as possible mediators of this relationship, independent of demographic variables. Using multiple regression analysis, close and flexible family relationships were linked to lower perceived stress levels. The association of family functioning and stress operated through the internal processes of anxiety, depression, daily hassles, and higher hardiness and explained more than half of the variance in stress levels. These findings also remained above and beyond the known stressor of discrimination and the known stress reducer of spirituality. These findings suggest that expanding traditional stress management programs to include strategies for bolstering family functioning could have significant benefits.