On the front lines of mental health : a descriptive single-case study exploring school-based mental health professionals' perspective of social-ecological factors associated with Black adolescent mental health.

The worsening mental health landscape among Black adolescents highlights the urgent need to understand the specific factors affecting this demographic. Black adolescents face greater challenges in accessing mental health services compared to their White peers, placing them at a higher risk of developing mental illnesses (Ramchand et al., 2021; Rodgers et al., 2021). Despite a rise in sadness among Black high schoolers and a concerning increase in suicide rates, disparities in mental healthcare access and treatment persist. Unique barriers, such as discrimination, socioeconomic status, and the lack of culturally relevant healthcare, exacerbate these mental health challenges (Assari et al., 2017; Bernard et al., 2020). This qualitative descriptive single-case study examined School-Based Mental Health Professionals' (SBMHPs) perceptions of the social-ecological factors influencing Black adolescents' mental health. The study used the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) to frame the research questions, focusing on the microsystem, mesosystem, and exosystem. Five SBMHPs participated in semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion. The findings indicated that integrating cultural elements into interventions is vital for engagement. Participants stressed the importance of building relationships with Black adolescents and the significant influence of socioeconomic factors over race-based strategies. Family dynamics emerged as a key theme and the most influential factor for accessing mental health services. Barriers included negative stereotypes and referral biases, while inclusive school environments served as facilitators. Religious beliefs, cultural experiences, and socioeconomic status were major barriers to mental health access, with school support structures being crucial for facilitating service access. Recommendations call for K-12 school administrators to prioritize holistic student well-being, reassign SBMHP duties for effective care, and establish collaborative partnerships to enhance mental health resource access. Additionally, addressing stigma and fostering open dialogue among Black primary caregivers and adolescents is crucial for promoting mental health awareness and support within the Black community. Black adolescent primary caregivers should lead these efforts by engaging in open-minded discussions about mental health's impact and reality in the Black community. Advocating for systemic changes to address socioeconomic disparities and aligning religious and cultural beliefs with mental health realities are essential for promoting holistic wellness and supporting Black adolescents' mental well-being.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Roberts, Domenique Marie Cagkler, 1986-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dixon, Kellie M.

• Black adolescents.
• Mental health.
• School-based mental health providers.
• Culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP)
• Black mental health.
• Black youth.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13186

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13186