Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department/Program
Psychology
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Carrie Masia
Committee Member
Samantha Coyle-Eastwick
Committee Member
Jason Williams
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent and profoundly impairing mental health condition among youth, marked by a persistent fear of social and performance situations. Evidence suggests that Black youth may experience more severe and chronic symptomatology compared to their White counterparts, yet they are less likely to access mental health services. Unique sociocultural factors such as racism and discrimination are posited to exacerbate the risk for SAD and create barriers to treatment for Black youth. Yet, research examining SAD in Black adolescents is virtually nonexistent. The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of Black caregivers regarding their experience of social anxiety in Black youth, as well as their attitudes toward help-seeking and school-based mental health services. Thematic analysis will be utilized to analyze focus group and interview data from nine parents/caregivers of students who attended an urban high school in the northeastern United States. Findings will inform efforts for developing culturally responsive and accessible school-based interventions for socially anxious Black adolescents.
File Format
Recommended Citation
Escobar, Melissa B., "Parental Perspectives on Social Anxiety and Intervention Strategies for Black Adolescents: A Qualitative Analysis" (2026). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1713.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1713