And still, we rise: A mixed-methods study examining derailment, posttraumatic stress, and resilience among Black adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Due to longstanding societal, racial, and health care disparities, Black communities were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet investigations of resulting mental health sequelae in this community remain limited. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the present study examined the role of COVID-19-related stress, derailment, and resilience, on posttraumatic stress symptoms for Black adults. METHOD: A sample of 162 Black adults was assessed to investigate how COVID-19-related stress may be directly and indirectly associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms via increased levels of derailment. We also evaluated the moderating role of resilience. Second, semistructured interviews with a subsample of Black adults (N = 67) produced rich narratives, which uncovered distinct sources of derailment and resilience for Black Americans. RESULTS: Quantitative findings revealed that COVID-19-related stress was indirectly associated with posttraumatic stress via increased levels of derailment. Further, the association between derailment and posttraumatic stress differed according to one's level of resilience. The qualitative findings revealed four distinct sources of derailment: (a) unexpected change, (b) social isolation, (c) grief and loss, and (d) uncertainty for the future; and, six sources of resilience: (a) ancestral strength, (b) faith, (c) community support, (d) psychotherapy, (e) values-based action, and (f) avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight Black Americans' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and deepen our understanding of factors that exacerbate risk and promote resilience within the context of a global public health crisis. Implications for culturally responsive strategies to better support Black Americans' mental health needs are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Duke Scholars

Author Danielle R Busby Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...