A Qualitative Evaluation of the Motivations, Experiences, and Impact of a Mental Wellbeing Peer Support Group for Black University Students in England and Wales: The Case of Black Students Talk
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Online peer support programs could address mental wellbeing concerns reported by Black students. The current evaluation explored Black university students' motivations, experiences, and perceived impacts of an online mental wellbeing peer support group (Black Students Talk [BST]) in England and Wales. We conducted two focus groups with Black Students Talk attendees and one with facilitators. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes and eight sub-themes where identified related to (i) Motivation: Impact of racism on mental wellbeing; (ii) Experience: The Black Students Talk experience; and (iii) Impact: Mental wellbeing outcomes. Benefits of Black Students Talk for Black students included advice, rest, validation, and support in the context of their race and experiences of racism. Facilitators had a unique sub-theme concerning their training and support. While racism exists at universities, online peer support can offer valuable benefits for Black students' mental wellbeing, social connectedness, and Black-only networks. Programs need to be co-created and delivered by trained Black students who receive reflective practice with a Black practitioner. Further independent evaluations using insights from survey and interview data are needed.
Source: SAGE Open
Authors: Nkasi Stoll, Anna-Theresa Jieman, Yannick Yalipende, Nicola C. Byrom, Heidi Lempp, Stephani L. Hatch
Language: English
Topic: Student Stress and Coping
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
Awards: G2282459894, Identifying and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on inequalities experienced by people from BAME backgrounds working in health and social care, Indigo (International study of discrimination and stigma outcomes), E-MhGAP Intervention guide in Low and middle income countries: proof-of-concept for Impact and Acceptability (Emilia project), The London Interdisciplinary Social Science DTP, Discrimination in Health Services: developing strategies to address a tractable social determinant of health inequalities, G4919021182, G5073455505, SMARtEN: Student Mental Health Research Network, G7311574907, Centre for Society and Mental Health, G7677937661
OpenAlex ID: W4390008284