Relationships between perceived racial discrimination and self-efficacy: The roles of race, gender, and resilienc

The research problem addressed in this study was the relationship between racism and self-efficacy. While racism lowers self-efficacy, it is not clear whether the relationship between racial discrimination and self-efficacy is stronger or weaker depending on an individual's race, gender, or levels of resilience. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between racial discrimination, self-efficacy, and resilience, while also accounting for the demographic variables of gender and race, thus better equipping mental health professionals working with female and/or minority clients. A quantitative, correlational study design was proposed to answer four research questions: (1) Does race significantly mediate the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and self-efficacy? (2) Does gender significantly mediate the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and self-efficacy? (3) Does resilience significantly mediate the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and self-efficacy? (4) Do interactions between race, gender, and resilience significantly moderate the relationship between perceived racial discrimination and self-efficacy? It was found that (1) race mediated the impact of racism on self-efficacy, such that African Americans had substantially lower self-efficacy in the face of high perceived racism; (2, 3, 4) gender, resilience, and a race-resilience interaction variable did not influence the relationship between racism and self-efficacy. These findings suggested the unique nature of racism-associated trauma in African Americans. This finding can be used to strengthen therapeutic approaches used with African Americans; and, better address this population's mental health needs.