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Black Psychology

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Introduction

The African worldview emphasizes religiosity, solidarity, oral history, emotional

perceptions, and peaceful interactions as it characterizes life psychologically. Emotional and

intellectual aspects of self-awareness or self-actualization are analogous to the more

conventional empirical approach of watching conduct. Black and African-centered

psychological viewpoints include but are not limited to, good inspiration for Black

individuality, Black families, and Black education.

SECTION 2

Educational Experiences and Perception on Work, Career and Employment

A person's socioeconomic standing is profoundly affected by their education level and

income from employment. Inequalities and prejudice have long permeated these spheres for

people of African descent (Funk, 2022). The new study highlights several likely motivators

and deterrents that Black adults have reported experiencing individually regarding the views

regarding Black progress and academic achievement in STEM (Cook et al., 2019). A center

examination of federal statistics shows that Black Americans remain marginalized in STEM

occupations. Most African Americans believe that if more role models in STEM fields were

visible to the public, more youthful African Americans would be inspired to pursue careers in

these fields (Funk, 2022). While most Black adults believe that various occupations are not

welcoming to people of color, scores for scientists and engineers represent the lowest of the

nine categories surveyed. The situation is only somewhat improved for healthcare

practitioners. In contrast to other professions, including clergy and police officers, fewer

individuals of color believe that they have achieved the pinnacle of success in science and

engineering.

SECTION 1

Identity: Development and Change

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Scholars of Black America's past and present have uncovered traditions with their roots

in Africa's tribes. Recent research has uncovered components of Black culture that helped

people secure their mental health while facing recurring racial discrimination. Blacks in the

United States have embraced many traditions and ideals of their African forefathers. These

societal customs include faith, which emphasizes the interplay of humans, the natural world,

and community, and communist ideology, the notion that a person's existence depends on

community sustenance (Johnson & Carter, 2020). One definition of racial identity is the

maturation of an individual's identity within the Black ethnic community. This progression

can involve diverse degrees of identification with Black people, acceptance of Afri-cultural

principles, and emphasis on the significance of ethnicity (Vance, 2019). Cultural integration

and prejudice-related resilience are also an element of the Black culture, as is the requirement

to educate children about the significance of ethnicity and prejudice in the lives of Blacks.

Racial self-perception formation, improved self-esteem and mental health levels, as well as a

reduction in mental illness, have been linked to sentiments prevalent in Black communities.

Black Americans have worked together to preserve Black traditions, and these communal

effort reflects a shared belief in the importance of the community to Black people.

Consequences of Racism

Because of their profound impact on people's daily lives, race and racism are at the

center of Black psychology. Every day, people of African descent encounter small-scale

assaults, which are subtler versions of racism (Assari & Bazargan, 2019). Constant exposure

to these slights can affect one's emotional and psychological health. Systemic prejudice is a

critical component of the ethnicity and racism puzzle. Inequalities in medical care for Black

people directly result from systematic discrimination in fields like medicine. This

demonstrates the significance of revising healthcare policies to reduce disparities (Leath et

al., 2019). Racial prejudice is a predictive factor for poor educational performance by Black
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youths, as shown by the sources reviewed. Young adults are likelier to experience racism

than kids because of greater independence from their parents and other close relatives, greater

racial segregation within their peer groups, physical growth that can make them appear more

mature and potentially threatening, and greater psychological and social abilities in

recognizing how others perceive them (Assari & Bazargan, 2019). Many African-American

children and teenagers report being subjected to racial prejudice at school, either directly or

indirectly, from instructors (e.g., stereotypical treatment, sterner penalties than for white

students) or classmates (e.g., social isolation, physical or sexual intimidation). Moreover,

Black adolescents are likelier to encounter discrimination and racial prejudice at educational

institutions because of cultural disparities in the discipline policies of teachers and

administrators.

SECTION 3

Spirituality, Religion, And Well-Being

Traditions apart from communalism also serve to unite African Americans. African-

American religiosity is an ancestral tradition that includes a belief in the supernatural power

of nature and a reverence for the dead (Vance, 2019). This principle can coexist with or

stand-alone from a person's religious beliefs (Johnson & Carter, 2020). Researchers

discovered an association between religion as a cultural notion and confidence and an

unfavorable connection between spirituality and anxiety and PTSD. African-centered

spirituality has been linked to increased happiness and contentment with one's life (Vance,

2019). Black beliefs evolved and persisted not due to, but despite, interaction with White

Americans. Blacks had to find their unique methods of enduring tyranny. Researchers

discovered that confronting racists and expressing anger reduce the adverse effects of

prejudice (Johnson & Carter, 2020). Positive associations with personal consideration were

also found for religious Afri-cultural coping strategies and social (i.e., group-centered)
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practices. Grief, trauma, assault, sickness, and other adversities are all things people of many

cultures have recognized spirituality and faith as helping them cope with. This conversation

examines the significance of spirituality in the lives of African Americans, both historically

and in the present day. It considers how religious and spiritual practices may aid young

people of color cope with stress, rebellion, and resentment. Black people who regularly attend

religious services had lower rates of depression and more overall happiness. Furthermore,

Black people find comfort in their religious practices during hardship. Interventions in mental

health that consider people's cultural and spiritual beliefs can have positive outcomes if well

received (Mohamed et al., 2021).

SECTION 4

Data on Mental Health of Black Americans

According to the available data, adults of African descent are 20% more inclined to

suffer from significant psychological issues. Also, contrasted with White adolescents and

mature Blacks, Black developing individuals (ages 18-25) have more psychological issues

and use fewer psychological services (Vance, 2019). These disturbing numbers indicate that

disparities between races and socioeconomic statuses in the United States are growing,

notwithstanding measures to decrease such gaps. More study is needed to explain these

results and identify the causes of the Black society's relatively low incidences of psychiatric

service use and access (Johnson & Carter, 2020). Colonial mistreatment of Black people

under the cover of medical care, the absence of chances for reliable insurance, culturally

sensitive psychiatric doctors, costs, and past instances of bias in mental health facilities all

contribute to the absence of confidence in medical care. Research suggests that a lack of

insurance, stigma, and a fear of future treatment may contribute to the low rate of Black

people seeking mental health care.

Role of Culture, Identity, And Discrimination in Well- Being

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Institutional obstacles significantly impact the Black community's psychological

wellness. Blacks comprise about 12% of the U.S. population, but they are disproportionately

represented in at-risk communities. For instance, approximately forty percent of homeless

individuals, 50% of incarcerated individuals, and 45% of kids in foster homes are people of

African descent (Johnson & Carter, 2020). The likelihood of suffering from psychological

disorders has been linked with exposure to violence imprisonment, and foster care (Vance,

2019). As a result, Black people have a significantly higher risk than the general population

of suffering from a psychological illness because of past socioeconomic and political

dynamics that systematically subject Black people to conditions considered detrimental to

their psychological and physical well-being. These inequalities have persisted for a very long

time and across multiple generations. Enslavement, tyranny, imperialism, xenophobia, and

inequality have detrimental effects on the psychological wellness of Black society, and these

problems persist today. There is mounting evidence that exposure to traumatic events can

trigger significant physiological alterations in an individual undergoing them. The hardships

of Black people have a reciprocal relationship with psychological wellness and

psychosocial adaptability (Johnson & Carter, 2020). The detrimental impacts of prejudice can

be lessened through interventions that encourage coping mechanisms and social support.

APPLICATION TO RELEVANT CONTEXT

Section 1 & 2

To enhance identity development, relevant stakeholders should develop cultural identity

workshops and educational initiatives that uphold African-oriented identity development.

These workshops should enhance racial pride, exploration of cultural heritage, and self-

esteem enhancement. The stakeholders should also collaborate to create community facilities

that provide culturally sensitive health services and prioritize offering affordable and

accessible services to individuals affected by structural or institutional racism.

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In efforts to enhance research on educational experiences, stakeholders should adopt

culturally relevant curriculum that integrates African-American history, literature, and

contributions. To change perspectives on work, employment, and career, prospective

strategies should focus on establishing programs that link African-American graduates with

professionals in the preferred fields to offer career opportunities in STEM fields.

Section 3 & 4

Spirituality is apparently a crucial component of Blacks life and they depend on it to

persevere challenges and remain optimistic. To enhance spirituality, religion, and welfare,

stakeholders should establish psychological health ministries that emphasize addressing the

psychological and emotional welfare of the community. These establishments should offer

counselling, resources and support. There should also be efforts to incorporate diversity and

inclusivity in schools to educate students about the essence of multiculturalism. Relevant

authorities should support mental health awareness initiatives emphasizing the relevance of

seeking psychological health care and alleviating stigma. The government should fund

research on culturally competent approaches to assess the efficiency of therapies offered in

the mental care institutions to reduce psychological healthcare disparities.

Conclusion

Systemic racism persists in various domains, including education, work, healthcare, and

everyday life. Addressing systemic racism through policy changes and structural reforms is

essential for promoting equity. Experiences of racism and discrimination profoundly

influence mental health and psychosocial well-being. Culturally competent interventions and

community support are vital for mitigating these harmful effects. Religion and spirituality are

evident sources of strength and resilience for Black individuals. Recognizing and respecting

the role of spirituality in mental health and coping strategies is essential for providing holistic

support.
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Thought-Provoking Questions

 How can stakeholders encourage Blacks to embrace and celebrate their African heritage

as a part of their identity development?

 What strategies can communities use to address victims' mental health needs effectively?

 How can schools incorporate African and African American history into their curriculum

to enhance students' educational experiences?

 What strategies can help bridge the gap in career opportunities and employment for

African Americans?

 How can spirituality and religion be integrated into mental health support systems for the

African-American community?

 How can we improve data collection methods to understand and address mental health

disparities in the African-American community?

 What research initiatives can help identify culturally relevant interventions for mental

health support?
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References

Assari, S., & Bazargan, M. (2019). Unequal associations between educational attainment and

occupational stress across racial and ethnic groups. International journal of

environmental research and public health, 16(19), 3539.

Cook, K., Pinder, D., Stewart, S., Amaka Uchegbu, & Wright, J. (2019, October 4). The

future of work in black America. McKinsey & Company; McKinsey & Company.

Funk, C. (2022). 1. Black Americans’ views of education and professional opportunities in

science, technology, engineering and math. Pew Research Center Science & Society.

Johnson, V. E., & Carter, R. T. (2020). Black cultural strengths and psychosocial well-being:

An empirical analysis with Black American adults. Journal of Black Psychology, 46(1),

55-89.

Leath, S., Mathews, C., Harrison, A., & Chavous, T. (2019). Racial identity, racial

discrimination, and classroom engagement outcomes among Black girls and boys in

predominantly Black and predominantly White school districts. American Educational

Research Journal, 56(4), 1318-1352.

Mohamed, B., Cox, K., Diamant, J., & Gecewicz, C. (2021). Faith Among Black Americans.

Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/02/16/faith-among-

black-americans/

Vance, T. A. (2019, February 8). Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community.

Columbia University Department of Psychiatry.