Navigating COVID‐19 and racial trauma as a Black student at predominantly White institutions

Abstract

Black students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) contend with racial microaggressions that can lead to negative mental health and academic outcomes. The physical and mental health consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic are well‐known. What remains unknown is how targeted racial hate during a pandemic might have a compounded effect on Black essential workers. The current study examines how future essential workers in helping professions cope with dual crises as they navigate mostly White universities. Study participants were Black university students attending PWIs in the United States enrolled in social work, public health, or psychology programs during the 2020–2021 academic year. Participants completed an online survey that measured racial microaggressions, COVID distress, sense of belonging, engagement in activism, and well‐being. Hierarchical regression models revealed COVID distress predicted poorer well‐being. Also, COVID distress interacted with racial microaggressions to predict well‐being. Findings have implications for developing decolonized learning communities with a liberation pedagogy in community psychology and other helping professions.

Interrupted Programming: The Impact of School Shutdown on Gifted Student Identification and Services

“…Furthermore, they identified changes in psychological well-being linked to the absence of valuable instruction, limited academic opportunities, reduced student engagement and interaction, and negative attitudes toward online learning. In addition to grappling with social isolation, elevated stress levels, and general uncertainty stemming from the pandemic, students from underserved communities faced additional stressors related to social unrest, racial trauma, and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on their communities (Francois et al, 2023).…”