John Henryism

A Predisposition for Active Coping

John Henryism (JH) is scientifically known as a strong behavioral predisposition to cope actively with psychosocial and environmental stressors. As a coping strategy, JH is based on the legend of an uneducated steel-driving African American laborer who possessed phenomenal strength and who in competition defeated the mechanical steam drill in a race to drive railroad spikes. Unfortunately, but key to the legend and current medical research, John Henry died immediately after his success, from mental and physical exhaustion, but certainly having completed his goal. Accordingly, the term John Henryism now symbolizes the coping strategy characterized by aggressive tenacity, determination, and hard work while unconsciously sacrificing health issues in reaching the goal of meeting an environmental demand.

John Henryism is most effectively thought ...