Toward radical healing: A qualitative metasynthesis exploring oppression and liberation among Black queer people.

Abstract

The revised guidelines for working with sexual minority populations encourage psychologists to recognize and intentionally consider the personal, interpersonal, and institutional stressors and resiliencies in queer individuals and communities (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021). Yet without an understanding of how queer folx describe the experience and impact of identity-based oppression and hate, as well as justice and liberation, psychologists may struggle to apply the guidelines. The qualitative research studies conducted in the decade since the last guidelines (APA, 2012) were released provide a wealth of information about how Black queer people describe oppression and liberation. Thus, the current qualitative metasynthesis provides an analysis of the qualitative studies that focus on Black queer people and their experiences of oppression and hate, as well as justice and liberation (N = 106). Thematic analysis was utilized within the metasynthesis. Four major themes were uncovered: (a) the omnipresence of oppression and hate at the collective level, (b) absence of safety at the relational level, (c) pain and possibilities in the cycle of HIV stigma for Black queer men, and (d) self-acceptance and social support. The findings are discussed in light of extant scholarship, and a discussion and table of implications are provided for psychologists seeking to be accountable to the thematic findings in their practice.

Patterns of critical consciousness and associations with sociocultural factors in black adolescents

“…Furthermore, the centrality of race to Black queer youth's self-concept can predict their intent to engage in activism (Pender et al, 2019). While the youth categorized as Precritical Actor in this study had lower centrality and private regard, critical action may be undergirded by queer identity and unique experiences with marginalization, homophobia, transphobia, and social isolation (Harris, 2009;Mosley et al, 2021). Research finds that heterosexism can motivate Black queer youth to participate in critical action to address oppression (Montagno & Garrett-Walker, 2021).…”

Making the leap to socially responsive research training in health service psychology.

“…For example, faculty can assign the module as part of their required course readings. In their course material, instructors can include examples of studies that place psychological research in context or design activities that responsibly call on students to engage with community perspectives at all stages of the research process (e.g., Mosley et al, 2021). To increase engagement, students can explore if and how research design, analytic approaches, or interpretations and claims based on findings might be changed or augmented with an intentional use of socially responsive research practices.…”

“We Were Loving Warriors!”: A Content Analysis of Black Women’s Resistance Within Psychological Science

“…The fields of social, community, developmental, and counseling psychology have largely undertaken the task of investigating both the cognitive processes and social impacts of resistance (collective action, activism, sociopolitical action, civic engagement, etc.) in both dominant and marginalized communities (e.g., Hope et al, 2020; Mosley, Hargons, et al, 2021, Mosley, McNeil-Young, et al, 2021). However, specific to the line of inquiry presented in this review is the rare investigation of the impact of resistance on psychological health and well-being outcomes.…”