title: Race, Gender, and Conceptualizations of Fear.
abstract: This study used qualitative methods and quantitative statistical analyses to examine whether race and gender are associated with reasons for which adults perceive a situation or object as fearful. The sample consists of 197 African-American and White adults (ages 18-85) recruited through a convenience sample and community sources in the Midwest. A cognitive interviewing instrument was utilized to examine respondents understanding of words and phrases from a mental health instrument. Using qualitative methods, free-response answers were content coded using 5 "fear-codes" (i.e., harm/danger, external locus of control, self-perception, and past experience), developed by the researchers. Results from logistic regression analyses indicate that race significantly predicts usage of specific fear codes (p<.05). In addition, a race by gender interaction was found.
authors.affiliation: Boston University, School of Social Work.
authors.forename: Jordana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Muroff
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.affiliation: Boston University.
authors.forename: Abigail M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan and Harvard University.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan.
authors.forename: Harold W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Neighbors
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan.
authors.forename: James S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jackson
keywords: anxiety; cognitive interview; fear; phobia; qualitative research; race