Date of Award

8-2026

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

Jeremy Fox

Committee Member

Carrie Masia

Committee Member

Samantha Coyle-Eastwick

Committee Member

Helen-Maria Lekas

Abstract

Social anxiety is common among Black American adolescents, though research examining the experience of social anxiety among this population is very limited. Furthermore, few studies have explored how sociocultural factors, such as racial discrimination and mental health stigma, may shape Black American adolescents’ perceptions of social anxiety and school-based mental health services. Using qualitative methods, the present study explored Black American adolescents’ perceptions of social anxiety, barriers to help-seeking, and views regarding school-based mental health services. A total of 15 Black American high school students in the northeastern United States (ages 14-15 years; M=16.0, SD=1.2) participated in focus groups and individual interviews. Overall, students provided an understanding of social anxiety that was consistent with core features of SAD. They also connected social anxiety to sociocultural factors, such as racial discrimination. In addition, students identified multiple barriers to participating in school- based mental health services, including concerns about confidentiality, low perceived treatment effectiveness, and preferences for managing difficulties independently. Thus, findings suggest that Black American adolescents’ experiences of social anxiety and help-seeking should be viewed within the broader sociocultural context. Results highlight the potential of culturally responsive school-based interventions that address race-related stressors and reduce barriers to treatment engagement.

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