Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College for Community Health
Department/Program
Family Science and Human Development
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Pearl Stewart
Committee Member
Jason Williams
Committee Member
Carrie Masia
Abstract
This research explored the lived experiences of Black girls in schools with a focus on racial discrimination and the impact it has on their mental health. Grounded in Black feminist thought and phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST), this study used qualitative research to understand the lived experiences of Black girls. Twenty participants engaged in this study through semi-structured interviews to examine their lived experiences in school spaces. The findings of this study acknowledge the profound impact of racial discrimination on the mental health of Black girls. At the intersection of race and gender, this study contributes to the existing literature to help educators, mental health professionals, researchers, and policymakers to create equitable spaces through school-based mental health programs that provide Black girls with a space of belonging.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Francois, Marline, "Nurturing Black Girls: A Phenomenological Exploration of Black Girls' Mental Health and Their Lived Experiences with Racial Discrimination in Schools" (2024). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1469.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1469
Included in
Counseling Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons