Coping with COVID-19: Implications of Differences in Resilience across Racial Groups for Mental Health and Well-being

In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic revealed differences across racial groups in coping, resilience, and optimism, all of which have implications for health and mental well-being?

Data obtained from the Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19 Survey indicate that, despite extreme income and health disparities before and during the COVID-19 outbreak, Black and Hispanic people remain more resilient and optimistic than their white counterparts. Moreover, the greatest difference in resilience, optimism and better mental health—is found between poor Black and poor whites individuals, with some linkages to behaviors in compliance with lockdown guidelines.