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Stress, Coping, & Oppression - Prevention & Education (SCOPE) Project: Psychological health, discrimination and coping factors among collegiate black men
Methods: Surveys were administered to Black male students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees at a predominantly white institution (PWI) and a Historically Black College University (HBCU) during Spring 2010. Using SAS 9.2, T-test compared scores of psychological indicators of respondents. Crude and multivariate regression analysis examined the association of psychological indicators with behavioral, individual, and contextual factors, including experiences of discrimination.
Results: 110 Black males comprised of undergraduate (n=97) and graduate (n=13) students completed the survey. Most black males self-reported “ever” experiencing discrimination 92%, while 60% reported experiencing “daily” discrimination, 14% (n=9) of students surveyed were considered psychological distressed. Decreased psychological wellbeing was associated with increased reporting of daily discrimination (p = 0.029). Additionally 50% of Black male students were indifferent or did not feel comfortable seeking help at the college’s counseling center for emotional or mental health needs.
Conclusion: Black male students continue to experience discrimination on a regular basis. Black males reported not feeling comfortable seeking counseling services. Thus health outreach efforts should be considered to help promote services and comfortability among Black males.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationDiversity and culture
Epidemiology
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe how discrimination experiences are associated with psychological health among African American male students matriculating in a Southeastern metropolitan area
Differentiate psychological health outcomes by school status (HBCU vs. PWI) among undergraduate students matriculating in a Southeastern metropolitan area
Describe African American male student individual, contextual, and behavioral factors in relationship to their psychosocial health while matriculating in a Southeastern metropolitan area
Keyword(s): College Students, Minority Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal investigator of small college studies, an evaluator and Program Manager of Student Affairs programs and services, and co-investigator of grants related to stress and resiliency among Soldiers going through Basic Combat Training. Among my scientific interests has been the psychosocial wellness among young adults and health disparities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.