Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
False safety behavior use among Black adults
Julia D Buckner1, Michael J Zvolensky2,3,4, Mara L Ferrie1
1Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Abstract:
Anxiety is among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, yet little attention has been paid to whether putative cognitive vulnerability factors related to anxiety in predominantly White samples are related to anxiety among Black individuals. Yet, given less mental health service utilization and greater experience of some life stressors, Black persons may be especially at risk for using false safety behaviors (FSB; designed to decrease anxiety in the short term, but are associated with more longer-term mental health problems). We tested whether non-Hispanic/Latin Black persons (n = 133) reported greater FSB use than non-Hispanic/Latin White participants (n = 844) as well as whether FSB use was related to more mental health problems among Black participants. Data were collected online among undergraduates. Black participants did endorse more frequent FSB use, especially FSB-Avoidance and FSB-Body Sensations. Results indicate that among Black participants, FSB use was related to more anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. FSB may be an important behavioral vulnerability factor related to anxiety and associated mental health problems among Black young adults.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Naturalistic Observations
Survey Safety
Obedience

