Publication date: Sep 19, 2025
Marginalization of intersecting racial, sex, and rural identities heightens the vulnerability of African American women in rural South Carolina (SC) during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to psychological distress. Social support, positive coping, and resilience may serve as protective factors, enhancing individuals’ ability to cope with stress. A cross-sectional online survey of 328 African American women (Mean age = 48. 03 +/- 16. 75) in rural SC from January to February 2024 was conducted. Structural equation modeling was used to test direct, indirect, and total effects of social support on PTSD and hopelessness, mediated by resilience and coping. We also examined moderation by age and caretaker status. All model fit indices were acceptable (CFI = 0. 99, TLI = 0. 98, RMSEA = 0. 034, SRMR = 0. 031, χ = 11. 02, p = 0. 2). Social support was positively associated with resilience (β = 0. 463, p
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| American | African American women |
| February | Coping |
| Pandemic | Mental health |
| Rural | Resilience |
| Women | Social support |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | Psychological Distress |
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 Pandemic |
| disease | MESH | PTSD |