Balancing Strength and Strain: A Clinical Perspective on John Henryism and Campus Engagement in Transition-Aged Black Youth - 18/10/25
, Joanna Herres, PhD a, Todd I. Obilor, MS b, Leanne G. Villareal, MPH Candidate c, Sydney A. Defreitas, BA aRésumé |
John Henryism (JH), a high-effort coping strategy often employed by Black people to navigate systemic adversity, plays a significant yet paradoxical role in the mental health outcomes of Black transition-aged youth (18-24 years old). While JH reflects resilience and determination in the face of racialized stressors, it is also associated with adverse outcomes such as emotional dysregulation, allostatic load, and mental health challenges when deployed without sufficient support systems. For Black students in campus settings, particularly predominantly White institutions (PWIs), JH can exacerbate the strain of racial discrimination, isolation, and pressures to overperform, leading to elevated risks of anxiety, depression, and physical stress. However, campus engagement, such as participation in Black student organizations, mentorship programs, and cultural spaces, can serve as a protective factor, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and emotional support. This clinical perspective outlines key strategies for mental health practitioners (MHPs) to recognize and address the dual nature of JH while promoting healthy, balanced coping mechanisms. By integrating culturally responsive assessments, emotion regulation interventions, and systemic advocacy, clinicians can support Black students in managing JH while encouraging campus environments that alleviate rather than reinforce racialized stressors. This approach emphasizes the need for holistic collaboration among clinicians, educators, and policymakers to create equitable and supportive spaces that enable Black youth to thrive academically, emotionally, and personally.
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| The authors have reported no funding for this work. |
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| This article is part of a special series devoted to addressing bias, bigotry, racism, and mental health disparities through research, practice, and policy. The 2024 Race & Disparities Team includes Deputy Editor Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv, Consulting Editor Andres J. Pumariega, MD, PhD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Emerging Leaders Fellows Diab Ali, MD, and Nina Bihani, MD, Assistant Editor Eraka Bath, MD, Deputy Editor Wanjikũ F.M. Njoroge, Associate Editor Robert R. Althoff, MD, PhD, and Editor-in-Chief Douglas K. Novins, MD. |
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| Disclosure: Adaurennaya C. Onyewuenyi, Joanna Herres, Todd I. Obilor, Leanne G. Villareal, and Sydney A. Defreitas have reported no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest. |
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