Internalized Racism, Hopelessness, and Physical Functioning Among Black American Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Test of Two “Weathering” Hypotheses

Internalized racism is associated with adverse mental and physical health among Black Americans. Adding to this literature, this research examined two complimentary mechanisms that might explain these associations. The psychological weathering hypothesis tested the indirect effect of internalized racism on limited physical functioning via feelings of hopelessness. The physical weathering hypothesis tested the indirect effect of internalized racism on feelings of hopelessness via limited physical functioning. We also examined gender as a moderator. We recruited 778 Black American men (N = 329; M_age = 37.22, SDage = 13.35) and Black American women (N = 449; Mage = 37.96, SDage = 15.55) to participate in an anonymous web-based survey. Results showed that internalized racism was positively correlated with limited physical functioning and feeling of hopelessness, but that gender did not moderate either direct effect. In addition, results showed support for the psychological weathering hypothesis, such that greater internalized racism was associated with more feelings of hopelessness, which was then associated with greater limited physical functioning. Results also showed support for the physical weathering hypothesis, such that greater internalized racism was associated with greater limited physical functioning, which in turn was associated with more feelings of hopelessness. Gender did not moderate either indirect effect. These findings suggest that internalized racism is perhaps a source of race-based stress that might increase risk of adverse health via physical and psychological weathering processes. More research is needed to better understand and address internalized racism among Black American men and women.