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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Addressing Weight In Primary Care: Perspectives Of African American Young Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Sang Qin, Lindsay Sheehan, Janis Sayer, Kristin S. Williams, Julius Mercer, Ashley Scott, Tevin Anderson Mar 2024

Addressing Weight In Primary Care: Perspectives Of African American Young Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Sang Qin, Lindsay Sheehan, Janis Sayer, Kristin S. Williams, Julius Mercer, Ashley Scott, Tevin Anderson

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) experience disproportionate rates of physical illness. Morbidity and mortality are even worse for young African Americans with SMI, especially those who are overweight. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have an important role in addressing weight management. Current research explored these young patient’s perceptions of weight management and how PCPs can best address their weight concerns. Using community-based participatory research, we interviewed 25 African American aged 18-30 who were overweight and had a SMI. Results revealed 1) patient perceptions around weight and 2) patient preferences. Participants identified both positive and negative aspects of being overweight, …


Continuing The Legacy: Navigating Grief And Loss While Pursuing A Degree, Sharon Lewis, Hope Charles, Nivischi Edwards Mar 2024

Continuing The Legacy: Navigating Grief And Loss While Pursuing A Degree, Sharon Lewis, Hope Charles, Nivischi Edwards

National Cross-Cultural Counseling and Education Conference for Research, Action, and Change

A 2013 study found 74.8% of Black girls graduated high school, while only 37.6% of the Black females in early adulthood were enrolled in college (Kalu, 2022). The added pressure of navigating grief while also endeavoring higher education only exacerbates that statistic. Learning to process grief healthfully is a useful lesson to ensure one’s ability to thrive during their grief.


Separated By Geographical Location And Lineage: A Case Study Design Using Qualitative Methodology In Research On Hope, Love, And Resilience During A Family Reunion, Cynthia Dee Reece Oct 2023

Separated By Geographical Location And Lineage: A Case Study Design Using Qualitative Methodology In Research On Hope, Love, And Resilience During A Family Reunion, Cynthia Dee Reece

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Family reunions are extensive functions in the African American community. The family members look forward to seeing one another, year after year, to share on various topics such as births, marriages, weddings, educational accomplishments, employment advancements, as well as deaths that have occurred. Often, some family members cannot attend reunions due to the distance or financial and economic hardships. Geographical location is a major hurdle to overcome when there is a lack of finances. Additionally, a mindset of not being accepted or assured of love in the family due to the perceived lineage of a family member or absence from …


No Sunshine When She’S Gone: The Shared Experiences Of African American Men Who Have Undergone Divorce, Richard Lamont Moore Oct 2023

No Sunshine When She’S Gone: The Shared Experiences Of African American Men Who Have Undergone Divorce, Richard Lamont Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to chronicle the shared experiences of working-class/middle-class African American men who have gone through a divorce in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development, which highlights the essential roles of language and culture, and Kurt Lewin’s field theory, which suggests the field as a practical framework for researching divorce, guided this study. The research questions were as follows: How do working-class/middle-class African American men describe their experience with divorce? How do participants describe their initial understanding of the divorce process? How do participants describe the level of social support they …


An Investigation Into Posttraumatic Growth And Resilience After Trauma In African American Women, Britney A. Mitchell Sep 2023

An Investigation Into Posttraumatic Growth And Resilience After Trauma In African American Women, Britney A. Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among posttraumatic growth, resilience, and trauma in African American women. Posttraumatic Growth Theory was used as the theoretical foundation for the study. A correlational survey design was used to investigate the relationships among the variables of posttraumatic growth, resilience, and trauma among African American women. Four instruments were used in this study, including a demographic survey developed by the researcher, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10), and the Life Event Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). This study will investigate how spirituality is used as a coping skill …


Agents Of Redemptive Hope: Churches And Communities Addressing The Problem Of Anger And The African American Adolescent Male, Reginald M. Robbins Aug 2023

Agents Of Redemptive Hope: Churches And Communities Addressing The Problem Of Anger And The African American Adolescent Male, Reginald M. Robbins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many African American adolescent males struggle with controlling their anger leading to abusive and addictive behaviors. The question is, should the Churches respond, and if so, how can they help? This paper argues that the Church must reach out with the compassion and healing message of the gospel to the at-risk young Black males who are having difficulty dealing with anger issues to ensure a positive future for the next generation of strong and stable Black men.


African American Parenting Style Influence On Children And Adolescents' Academic Success, Elizabeth F. Martin Apr 2023

African American Parenting Style Influence On Children And Adolescents' Academic Success, Elizabeth F. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to examine how parenting styles influence African American children and adolescents’ academic success. The theory guiding this study was Diana Baumrind’s parenting typologies authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles. A sample size of 10 African American participants who had at least one child, 3 months to 18 years of age, were recruited and selected through purposeful and snowball sampling. Each participant was interviewed via recorded Zoom meetings and data were collected utilizing open-ended, semistructured, in-depth interview questions. Three research questions guided this study: (a) what response is given that characterizes parents’ relations …


An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Perfectionism And Adverse Childhood Experiences In African American Adults, Natasha Maria Beckum Apr 2023

An Investigation Into The Relationship Between Perfectionism And Adverse Childhood Experiences In African American Adults, Natasha Maria Beckum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Decades of research have confirmed an association between family dysfunction, adverse parentchild relationships, and perfectionism. However, to date, only one study has confirmed a link between perfectionism and specific types of ACEs. There are no studies that have examined the relationship between ACEs and perfectionism in predominately racial/ethnic populations. The purpose of this non-experimental quantitative survey research was to investigate the relationship between conventional and expanded ACES and perfectionistic traits and behaviors. Additionally, this study aimed to determine if the experience of ACEs is associated with higher levels of perfectionism in African Americans. Data was collected using the Hewitt Multidimensional …


Evaluating The Stigma Toward Counseling In The African American Community, Jamaica Chapman Oct 2022

Evaluating The Stigma Toward Counseling In The African American Community, Jamaica Chapman

Doctoral Projects

Self-stigma is an important factor that hinders help seeking through the use of mental health services. “Self-stigma is the reduction of an individual’s self-esteem or self-worth caused by the individual self-labeling herself or himself as someone who is socially unacceptable” (Vogel et al., 2006, p. 325). Attitudes have suggested both men and women struggle with depression in this population, and that they are reluctant to addressing psychological problems. Most are overly concerned about the stigma associated with mental illness. Though some are open to seeking treatment through mental health services, religious coping in this community is the most preferred method …


Exploring African American Girlhood Perceptions And Experiences Of Self Esteem, Monica Wade Oct 2022

Exploring African American Girlhood Perceptions And Experiences Of Self Esteem, Monica Wade

Theses and Dissertations

Furthering the cultural competence of counselors around emotional wellness for minority groups, this research explored the intersectionality of race and gender through counter storytelling of experiences of Black girlhood that are often not told. To fill the existing gap in literature describing perceptions of emotional wellness, I explored African American adolescent girls perceptions and experiences of self esteem for girls who participated in an empowerment organization called Dream Girls. This qualitative study used a phenomenological analysis to gain understanding of the influences that impact the way these adolescents understand themselves.


The African American Nuclear Family: Investigating The Healthy Habits Of Successful Long-Term Marriages In The African American Community, Derrick L. Smith Feb 2022

The African American Nuclear Family: Investigating The Healthy Habits Of Successful Long-Term Marriages In The African American Community, Derrick L. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study sought to understand what contributed to the success of long-term marriages in the African American community. Long-term marriage was defined as those lasting 20 years or more. The family systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen guided this study. The study employed a phenomenological approach to qualitative inquiry. Due to the national health crisis, all interviews were conducted through a Zoom conferencing platform. Nine married couples who have been married for at least 20 years or more participated in the study. The following criteria had to be met to participate in the study: race, length of the …


Exploring The Impact Of The Achievement Gap On Shame And Resilience In African American College Students, Brittany R. Thomas Aug 2021

Exploring The Impact Of The Achievement Gap On Shame And Resilience In African American College Students, Brittany R. Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The achievement gap refers to the stark difference that occurs between racial or gender groups, as one group performs significantly higher than the other. An achievement gap has the propensity to produce psychological distress, as well as buffering techniques that are necessary for survival and success. Growing research shows that African American college students experience unique levels of trauma, shame, hardship, macro, and micro-aggressions, suggesting that these students learn to self-preserve as early as 10 years old. This study used a Pearson correlation, Independent T-Test, and a Moderated Multiple Regression to explore the impact of the achievement gap on shame …


The Lived Experiences Of African American Counselors: An Exploration Of Their Reactions To Trauma Survivors, Zanovia P. Tucker May 2021

The Lived Experiences Of African American Counselors: An Exploration Of Their Reactions To Trauma Survivors, Zanovia P. Tucker

Dissertations

Nearly 83% of Americans are exposed to a traumatic event (Benjet et al., 2016). Given this, every counselor will more than likely work with trauma survivors (Trippany et al., 2004). Because of the high percentage of exposure to trauma, mental health professions who service individuals who experience trauma are at risk for secondary trauma (Ivicic & Motta, 2016), vicarious traumatization (Culver et al., 2011), and shared trauma (Hope & Edward, 2013). African American counselors have not been recognized in the counseling literature; thus their work with trauma survivors and their training experiences remain relatively unknown. Most of the research pertaining …


A Class Of Their Own: A Correlational Study On Household Composition, Chronic Absenteeism, And Graduation Among African American Males, Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie Mar 2021

A Class Of Their Own: A Correlational Study On Household Composition, Chronic Absenteeism, And Graduation Among African American Males, Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between household compositions of African American male students, chronic absenteeism, and graduation. Chronic absenteeism is missing 10% or more of the academic school year. Using Bowen family systems theory as the theoretical framework helped examine if household composition is related to chronic absenteeism and graduation in African American males. In addition, this study explored the factors that best differentiated single-mother households from two-parent households. This study was conducted in order to develop paternal involvement programs, mentoring programs, attendance programs, and academic programs to increase graduation rates and decrease chronic absenteeism …


Loss, Grief, And Racial Health Disparities During Covid-19: Same Storm, Different Boats, Joyce Yang, Sierra Carter Oct 2020

Loss, Grief, And Racial Health Disparities During Covid-19: Same Storm, Different Boats, Joyce Yang, Sierra Carter

Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Scholarship

No abstract provided.


The Space Between Black & White: Examining The Lived Experiences Of African American Supervisees In Cross-Racial Supervisory Relationships, Brittany A. Williams May 2020

The Space Between Black & White: Examining The Lived Experiences Of African American Supervisees In Cross-Racial Supervisory Relationships, Brittany A. Williams

Dissertations, 2020-current

There is a growing trend in the counseling research that addresses the importance of multicultural counseling and specifically the need for effective work with African American clients (Chang, Hays, & Shoffner, 2004). More specifically, attention should be given to African American supervisees in cross-racial supervisory relationships who experience complex forms of discrimination due to the differing cultural identities within the supervisory relationship. While also meeting the needs of the African American clients, increased representation in the field could also be beneficial for the counseling profession and support the growth and development of same race clinicians. This influx of African American …


Cultural Humility In Action: Reflective And Process-Oriented Supervision With Black Trainees, Naadira C. Upshaw, Douglas E. Lewis Jr., Amber L. Nelson Jan 2020

Cultural Humility In Action: Reflective And Process-Oriented Supervision With Black Trainees, Naadira C. Upshaw, Douglas E. Lewis Jr., Amber L. Nelson

Faculty Publications - Graduate School of Counseling

The supervisory relationship is considered a core experience in the field of psychology. The primary goal of this experience is to support trainees’ development of strong clinical skills, as well as expertise, to ensure adequate treatment of patients and promote learning and professional growth. However, it has become evident that supervisors continue to struggle with adapting an integrated and contextual approach to diversity. This becomes problematic when working with trainees of Color who are often navigating multiple identities in professional spaces and are at risk for burnout and unintended harm from individuals in a supervisory role. Further, the expanding sociopolitical …


Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome A Literature Review On African American Community Healing And Expressive Arts Therapy, Akinlana Burrowes May 2019

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome A Literature Review On African American Community Healing And Expressive Arts Therapy, Akinlana Burrowes

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Post traumatic slave syndrome (PTSS) is defined as “a condition that exists when a population has experienced multigenerational trauma resulting from centuries of slavery and continues to experience oppression and institutionalized racism today.” Throughout this literature review, the physical, mental, and socioemotional impacts of institutionalized oppression through the years from the 1600s to the present, exhibited in the multiple sectors of society as it relates to the African American (AA) community are explored and addressed through the theoretical framework of PTSS. While a sizable body of literature has supported Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) with traumatized populations, very little research has …


What Is Required For Conservative Christians In The African American Community To Experience Mental Health As A Potential Resource For Emotional Healing? A Phenomenological Approach, Tawana Denise Helmich Mar 2019

What Is Required For Conservative Christians In The African American Community To Experience Mental Health As A Potential Resource For Emotional Healing? A Phenomenological Approach, Tawana Denise Helmich

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to examine what is required for conservative Christians in the African American community to experience mental health counseling as a potential resource for emotional healing. The theories guiding this study are person-centered and experiential with emphasis on the Gestalt approach. Person-Centered theory was created by Carl Rogers over 40 years ago to encourage clinicians to honor their clients’ lead in their treatment process while discovering their own solutions. Experiential therapy is a humanistic approach to therapy, which will also be implemented in this research. An experiential approach to counseling prioritizes the need for …


From Invisible To Visible: Exploring Invisibility Syndrome And Coping Among African American Men, Jesha Jones, Stacey Lawson Jan 2018

From Invisible To Visible: Exploring Invisibility Syndrome And Coping Among African American Men, Jesha Jones, Stacey Lawson

Graduate Research Posters

INTRODUCTION: African American men may experience feelings of invisibility when maneuvering throughout the public education system. Encounters with alienation, discrimination, and prejudice play a major role in influencing one’s decision to remain in school or dropout. Examining the extent to which the invisibility syndrome manifests in African American men during their K-12 experiences can expand knowledge in understanding their feelings of worthlessness and insignificance in the classroom. METHOD: This research investigated the degree to which invisibility syndrome manifested in retrospective accounts in the K-12 experiences of African American collegiate men. Analysis aim to identify how coping mechanisms can …


Coping And Africultural Adolescents, Britne R. Amos Aug 2017

Coping And Africultural Adolescents, Britne R. Amos

Dissertations

The present study explored approaches to coping among Africultural, college students between the ages of 18 and 22 years. Coping strategies applied to Africultural adolescents and young adults have been studied from a majority culture, adult lens. In this context, Africultural is used to refer to people of self-identified African descent including and not limited to people who identify as African American (e.g., parent(s) were born in America, individual was born in America), of African descent and living in America (e.g., parents were born in Africa, individual was born in Africa), mixed African American and another ethnic group including Latino/a, …


Impact Of Post-Secondary Correctional Education On Self-Efficacy And Personal Agency Of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men, David E. Jones Apr 2017

Impact Of Post-Secondary Correctional Education On Self-Efficacy And Personal Agency Of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men, David E. Jones

Dissertations

This study explored the impact of post-secondary correctional education (PSCE) on those released from prison, with special attention paid to individuals’ sense of self-efficacy and personal agency. A review of the literature indicates the vast majority of people who enter prison will one day return to society. These returning citizens face a number of hurdles as they work to reconstruct life outside of prison and avoid recidivism. Prior research suggests education is positively correlated with successful reentry into society. Unfortunately, there are few opportunities to pursue education past the secondary level in prison, which limits access to the corollary benefits …


Trauma Of The Heart: Augmenting The Family Paradigm To Stem The Spread Of Hiv/Aids And To Facilitate Healing And Recovery In The Wake Of Hiv/Aids, Gibson Danjuma May 2015

Trauma Of The Heart: Augmenting The Family Paradigm To Stem The Spread Of Hiv/Aids And To Facilitate Healing And Recovery In The Wake Of Hiv/Aids, Gibson Danjuma

CTS Faculty Publications and Creative Activity

This article briefly reflects on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African American community. The article suggests an alternative paradigm that views the high-risk behaviors that contribute to the spread of the virus as a reaction to ‘trauma of the heart’ as opposed to viewing the epidemic solely in terms of a lack of HIV and sexually transmitted disease awareness. It further suggests a pastoral intervention of expanding the paradigm of family beyond the classical nuclear construct to family as a system of individuals committed to embracing and ‘adopting’ individuals who have experienced trauma of the heart. This augmented understanding of …


A Qualitative Study Of Street Smarts Among African American Male High School Dropouts: Implications For School Counselors, Charlette Taylor Jan 2015

A Qualitative Study Of Street Smarts Among African American Male High School Dropouts: Implications For School Counselors, Charlette Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates street smart African American males who dropped out of high school. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the researcher interviewed six participants, to explore their experiences related to street smarts in school and the influences on their decision to drop out. The framework of the study is based on Robert Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. The role of the school counselor in dropout prevention according to the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model is presented. Themes from the data include: intelligence, self-sufficient, and support. Implications for school counselors who work in direct and indirect consultation with teachers, …


Parenting Style Differences In Black American And White American Young Adults, Sarah Lynette Mcmurtry Aug 2013

Parenting Style Differences In Black American And White American Young Adults, Sarah Lynette Mcmurtry

Dissertations

Baumrind’s (1967) theory of parenting style influenced over 40 years of parenting research, which found authoritative parenting as the optimal parenting style. Authoritarian and parenting styles have been linked to worse adjustment and achievement for child outcomes (Baumrind, 1967; Steinberg, Lamborn, Darling, Mounts, & Dornbusch, 1994) than children in authoritative-parented homes. In 1972, Baumrind described racial differences in parent-child relations and outcomes between authoritarian Black American and White American parents and preschoolers (1975). In comparison to White American parents, Black Americans exhibited authoritarian parenting that was less rejecting and associated with communication and warmth (Baumrind, 1975; Murry, Brody, & Simons, …