Page 302 - Discrimination at Work The Psychological and Organizational Bases

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11. PERSONALITY-BASED UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION
(Dohrenwend et al., 1992; Kessler, 1979; Kessler, Price, & Wortman, 1985;
Link et al., 1986,1993; Taylor et al., 1997; Williams, 1990,1999; Williams &
Collins, 1995; Williams & Rucker, 1996; Williams & Williams-Morris, 2000;
Yu & Williams, 1999). In addition, exposure to such stressors leads not
only to poor physical health (Taylor et al., 1997; Williams & Collins, 1995),
but also to psychological strain (Dohrenwend, 1975, 2000; Dohrenwend
& Dohrenwend, 1981; Holzer et al., 1986; Johnson, Cohen, Dohrenwend,
Link, & Brook, 1999; Kessler et al.,1985; Stone-Romero, 1994). For example,
results of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study, the largest study of
psychiatric disorders ever conducted in the United States, found that the
lower the level of SES, the greater the rates of a broad range of psychiatric
conditions (Holzer et al., 1986; Robbins & Regier, 1990). One factor that
may contribute to this strain is that the lower the SES of individuals, the
lesser their access to such "treatments" (e.g., social support and organiza­
tional support) that may serve to buffer the effects of stressors and stress
(Williams, 1990; Williams & Rucker, 1996).
In the world of work, research shows that psychological strain (e.g., anxi­
ety, depression) is especially high among workers who have low-level jobs,
characterized by low levels of self-direction, planning, and control (Link
et al., 1993). In addition, Kohn and Schooler (1983) argued that personal­
ity variables are influenced by the social and occupational conditions that
workers face. These findings are especially important in that they suggest
that high scores on measures of psychological strain (e.g., NA and related
variables) may reflect the effects of adversity rather than the immutable dis­
positions of individuals.

Race, Exposure to Stressors, and Strain

Because of the relations among race, SES, and strain, relative to Whites,
individuals in several ethnic groups (e.g., Blacks, American Indians) will
have greater exposure to environmental stressors and, as a result, will man­
ifest poorer levels of physical health and psychological well-being. In this
regard, a growing body of research shows links between ethnic minority
status and low levels of both physical and mental health (Contrada et al.,
2000; Crocker, Major, & Steele, 1998; Kessler, 1979; Kessler & Neighbors,
1986; Taylor et al., 1997; Warheit, Holzer, & Arey, 1975; Williams, 1990,
1999). For example, Crocker et al. (1998) reported that depression was
more prevalent in African Americans than European Americans. In ad­
dition, research by Kessler (1979) involving a large sample of adults in the
New Haven, Connecticut area, revealed that compared to Whites, non-
Whites (Blacks and Puerto Ricans) were twice as likely to report extreme
levels of psychological distress (i.e., depression and anxiety). Moreover,