This study examined the relationship between John Henryism (a strong behavioral predisposition to engage in high effort coping with difficult barriers to success) and self-reported physical health among high socio-economic (SES) status Asian immigrants to the USA. Cross-sectional data were collected from a community sample of 318 self-identified Chinese and Indian immigrants aged 18-73, averaging 10.2 yr lived in the US. In addition to the John Henryism Active Coping Scale, health status was measured using ordinal ratings of global self-rated health, somatic symptoms and physical health functioning. We also evaluated whether perceived stress would explain the relationship between John Henryism and health. Controlling for demographic factors, regression analyses showed that higher John Henryism significantly predicted better self-rated health and physical functioning, and fewer somatic symptoms. These relationships were significantly and fully mediated (for physical functioning and somatic symptoms) or partially mediated (for self-rated health) by lower perceived stress. Results suggest that John Henryism relates to better health among high SES Asian immigrants in part by reducing perceived stress. To better understand and improve health in all racial/ethnic groups, especially racial minorities and immigrants, more research is needed on John Henryism and perceived stress as important psychosocial mechanisms intervening between environmental exposures and health outcomes. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

immigrants Stress Coping Asian Americans self-rated health USA

statistical analysis China immigrant Chinese Asian regression analysis India demography health survey race difference Indian mental health human Self Report middle aged Stress, Psychological ethnic group health status Aged socioeconomic status Adaptation, Psychological socioeconomic indicator Cross-Sectional Studies Self Efficacy United States health North America social status cross-sectional study Humans Adolescent Asian Americans male female prediction socioeconomics symptom behavioral stress Health Status Indicators Article adult disease predisposition Emigration and Immigration Asian immigrant social class community sample ethnic minority Asia, Southeastern Midwestern United States immigrant population