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John Henryism, self-reported physical health indicators, and the mediating role of perceived stress among high socio-economic status Asian immigrants

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  • Haritatos, Jana
  • Mahalingam, Ramaswami
  • James, Sherman A.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between John Henryism (a strong behavioral predisposition to engage in high effort coping with difficult barriers to success) and self-reported physical health among high socio-economic (SES) status Asian immigrants to the USA. Cross-sectional data were collected from a community sample of 318 self-identified Chinese and Indian immigrants aged 18-73, averaging 10.2Â yr lived in the US. In addition to the John Henryism Active Coping Scale, health status was measured using ordinal ratings of global self-rated health, somatic symptoms and physical health functioning. We also evaluated whether perceived stress would explain the relationship between John Henryism and health. Controlling for demographic factors, regression analyses showed that higher John Henryism significantly predicted better self-rated health and physical functioning, and fewer somatic symptoms. These relationships were significantly and fully mediated (for physical functioning and somatic symptoms) or partially mediated (for self-rated health) by lower perceived stress. Results suggest that John Henryism relates to better health among high SES Asian immigrants in part by reducing perceived stress. To better understand and improve health in all racial/ethnic groups, especially racial minorities and immigrants, more research is needed on John Henryism and perceived stress as important psychosocial mechanisms intervening between environmental exposures and health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Haritatos, Jana & Mahalingam, Ramaswami & James, Sherman A., 2007. "John Henryism, self-reported physical health indicators, and the mediating role of perceived stress among high socio-economic status Asian immigrants," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(6), pages 1192-1203, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:64:y:2007:i:6:p:1192-1203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salant, Talya & Lauderdale, Diane S., 2003. "Measuring culture: a critical review of acculturation and health in Asian immigrant populations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(1), pages 71-90, July.
    2. Fernander, Anita F. & Patten, Christi A. & Schroeder, Darrell R. & Stevens, Susanna R. & Eberman, Kay M. & Hurt, Richard D., 2005. "Exploring the association of John Henry active coping and education on smoking behavior and nicotine dependence among Blacks in the USA," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 60(3), pages 491-500, February.
    3. Bonham, V.L. & Sellers, S.L. & Neighbors, H.W., 2004. "John Henryism and Self-Reported Physical Health among High-Socioeconomic Status African American Men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(5), pages 737-738.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hongyun Fu & Mark VanLandingham, 2012. "Mental Health Consequences of International Migration for Vietnamese Americans and the Mediating Effects of Physical Health and Social Networks: Results From a Natural Experiment Approach," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 49(2), pages 393-424, May.
    2. Mujahid, Mahasin S. & James, Sherman A. & Kaplan, George A. & Salonen, Jukka T., 2017. "Socioeconomic position, John Henryism, and incidence of acute myocardial infarction in Finnish men," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 54-62.
    3. Lee, Min-Ah, 2011. "Disparity in disability between native-born non-Hispanic white and foreign-born Asian older adults in the United States: Effects of educational attainment and age at immigration," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(8), pages 1249-1257, April.

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