Impact of racial discrimination in education and other adverse childhood experiences on black students’ mental health and wellbeing: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Black school students in the United Kingdom (UK) are exposed to racialized personal, institutional and systemic factors (e.g. racism and misogyny) that may impact their mental wellbeing and educational experiences. Minimal research exists to understand how racism and other adverse childhood experiences interact to shape students' mental health and wellbeing as they progress through education before commencing university studies, which this study aimed to achieve. METHODS: = 15) were completed with Black UK university students who self-reported having struggled with mental health at school. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Three main themes were derived from Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), pertaining to the students' experiences of adverse childhood experiences, racism-related stressors in education, and coping strategies. DISCUSSION: The findings add value by offering recommendations for psychologists, educators, and policymakers to address racism and poor mental wellbeing in schools and to improve experiences and outcomes for Black students. Recommendations include self-reflection tools, funding for mental wellbeing interventions and resources, and enhancing professional courses to incorporate anti-racist curricula and practices.
Authors: Nkasi Stoll, Sunehna Kayn, Heidi Lempp, Stephani Hatch
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,790
Awards: G1306971354, G2426324692, G3042342948, 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, Uncovering racism in maternal care: Building inclusive and antiracist care through methods of co-production and mutual learning, G6671708061, Centre for Society and Mental Health, G7599878082, INKLUDE: Inclusion as a Norm at King's - Leadership, Understanding the issues, Developing individuals, Enacting change, King’s PhD Programme in Mental Health Research for Health Professionals
OpenAlex ID: W4410637422