Article "discusses how 'John Henryism,' a strong behavioral predisposition to cope actively with psychosocial environmental stressors, interacts with low socioeconomic status to influence the health of Afro-Americans. Focus on hypertension as a cause of disability and premature death; Scientific and folkloric background of John Henryism; John Henryism as it relates to the selected core values of American culture."
Source: Article abstract
For more on the
legend of John Henry, read this encyclopedia entry.
