Psychosocial Stress, Perceived Gendered Racism, and Preterm Birth by Gestational Age at Birth: Associations Among Non-Hispanic Black Women During Pregnancy
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Authors
Lurry-Mabin, Corine
Issue Date
2026-03
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
psychosocial stress , gendered racism , preterm birth
Alternative Title
Abstract
Stress is a complex and multifaceted construct that may arise during pregnancy from pregnancy-specific concerns or social and cultural interactions, referred to as psychosocial stress. It can affect both maternal and infant health. Persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly the disproportionately high rates of preterm birth among non-Hispanic Black women, remain inadequately explained by known risk factors. The problem addressed in this study was the limited understanding of how psychosocial stress and perceived gendered racism are related during pregnancy and how these factors may be associated with preterm birth outcomes among non-Hispanic Black women. Grounded in Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping, this quantitative non-experimental correlation study examined the relationships between perceived gendered racism, psychosocial stress, and preterm birth by gestational age at birth. Two research questions guided the study: (a) What is the relationship between perceived gendered racism and psychosocial stress? (b) What is the relationship between perceived gendered racism, psychosocial stress, and preterm birth? Data were collected via self-report surveys from a nonprobability sample of 170 participants. Measures included the Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale and the Psychosocial Hassles Scale. Pearson and partial correlation analyses were conducted. Results indicated statistically significant, moderate positive associations between perceived gendered racism and psychosocial stress. No statistically significant direct association was found with preterm birth when psychosocial stress was controlled. These findings suggest psychosocial stress represents an important correlate linking gendered racism to maternal health disparities. Findings may support culturally responsive prenatal care and indicate a need for future longitudinal and intervention research.