Analyzing Black Coping Styles: A Supplemental Diagnostic System

Abstract

Though the Kraepelinian diagnostic system for mental disorders has proved to be a durable one, it is limited when used to diagnose Black behavior. A diagnostic system is presented that examines Black behavioral responses to racism for positive and negative conse quences to mental health. The six styles examined in clude an apathetic style, a style oriented toward ob taining goods and products from the existing capitalistic system, a style oriented toward counter- culture alternatives, a Black nationalistic style, an authoritarian style, and finally a style characterized by historically based flexibility. Empirical issues related to assessing the styles are outlined, and the utility of the system to Black diagnosticians is discussed.