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Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology, 2007.

Abstract

Research suggests there are remarkably different health experiences for African Americans and European Americans. One area where the health disparity between African Americans and the majority culture is prevalent and growing is the disease diabetes mellitus (diabetes). Most important to this issue is the still limited knowledge of which factors account for these differences in health outcomes and quality of life. The proposed study examined two key factors: perceptions of discrimination and worldview (i.e. Afrocentric versus Eurocentric), as they relate to the impact of diabetes on health status and quality of life for individuals. It was predicted that greater perceived discrimination would be significantly correlated with poor health outcomes. A moderating relationship for worldview was predicted in the relationship between perceived discrimination and health outcomes, with a more Afrocentric or optimal worldview predicted to attenuate the relationship between perceived discrimination and poor health outcomes. An interaction between race, worldview and perceived discrimination was also predicted to impact health outcomes. African Americans who reported a more Afrocentric worldview should show a stronger attenuation effect for worldview on perceived discrimination and poor health outcomes compared to their European American counterparts with a similar worldview orientation. Using a two-study, cross sectional correlational design, the first study examined the psychometric properties of measures of perceived discrimination and worldview. The second study examined the hypothesized relationships amongst perceived discrimination, worldview and health status among diabetic patients using hierarchical regression analysis. There was no evidence of a moderating effect of worldview on perceived discrimination and health outcomes. There was limited support for a relationship between perceived discrimination and health outcomes. Results and limitations of the current studies are discussed.

Keywords

perceived discrimination; worldview; diabetes mellitus

Advisor

Linda J Myers

Pages

161p.

Document number: osu1186599888
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1186599888

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