Black Minds Matter: A Phenomenological Inquiry Examining the Prevalence of Racial Trauma Among Black Doctoral Students

<p>Systemic and institutionalized racism is endemic to life in the United States and contributes to the daily marginalization of Black people. While the negative psychological and physiological effects of racism have been well-documented, the notion that racism can be experienced as a trauma is a newer theory. Racial trauma has been understudied and underappreciated, though it is a theory that clinicians should incorporate when working with Black clients and other clients of color. Exploring the ways in which Black doctoral students attending a predominantly White institution (PWI) have experienced racism is an essential contribution to the existing racial trauma literature. The current research also assists in identifying ways clinicians across the country can provide adequate and ethical care for Black clients.</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to explore how Black doctoral students experienced racism in their program, the subsequent impact to their psychological wellbeing, and how they cope and/or utilize protective factors against such racism in order to complete their degrees. Using a phenomenological approach to qualitative research and the framework of Critical Race Theory, data was gathered from four Black doctoral students through two, 90-minute, semi-structured interviews both in-person and via Skype. Through the use of horizontalization, coding and literature, five themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Racial socialization, 2) Black Identity Development, 3) Experiences of Racism, 4) Impact of Racism, and 5) Coping and Protective Factors. First, the results of this study supported the existing literature about the ways in which racism has negative mental and physical health effects for Black people. Second, the results highlight the importance of Black American’s ability to identify racist acts, how racism can impact their mental well-being, and the various coping methods they may adopt to protect themselves from further psychological harm. Finally, the study underscores the need for practicing clinicians and training programs to put more time and energy into properly attending to the psychological trauma of racism in the course of their work with Black clients and clients of color.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Peters, Jazmyne Markeeva

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ruth Chu-Lien Chao
• Nicholas Cutforth
• Patton Garriott
• Shimelis Assefa

• African American
• Black doctoral students
• Black students
• Racial trauma
• Racism
• Trauma
• African American Studies
• Counseling Psychology
• Education
• Higher Education

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1823

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2814