Use of Enduring Self-care Interventions That Address Race-based Stress

In this course, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Professor in the Counsellor Education Program and Director of the Center for Equity, Justice, and the Human Spirit, both at Xavier University, Louisiana, gives an overview of race-based stress and cites its impact as seen in the historical maladaptive coping mechanisms taken up by those suffering from it. Dr. West-Olatunji proposes self-care as a response to race-based stress, which tends to be continuous traumatic stress, but advises that it is much more effective if it is culture-centred and enduring. Observing that self-care can be a form of resistance to oppression, Dr. West-Olatunji discusses the role of community and social support, and lists scales to assess for the presence of race-based stress. She offers numerous strategies to combat it, as well as ethical considerations when implementing any strategies.