Home Based Racialized Messages Transmitted to African American Students Transitioning to Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

This study focused on the cultural differences faced by African American students transitioning to a predominantly White institution and the protective factors that aided them with these transitions. In-depth individual interviews were conducted and used as the primary method of data collection for this study. In addition, a focus group session provided member checking opportunity and served to strengthen the trustworthiness of the study. The focus group was also used as a secondary data source to corroborate the key findings from the individual interviews. Analysis revealed participants were exposed to several risk factors in the university context. Students developed coping strategies to combat these risk factors and promote successful transitions from the home to the university.