2023/04/15 by Ed‐Dee G. Williams, Allura Casanova, Daphne C. Watkins · 1 voice
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Early Childhood Education and Development #Parental Involvement in Education
paper · doi:10.1093/socpro/spad018
openalex publication_date 2023/04/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Abstract Despite growing research dedicated to investigating the mental health of Black boys, few directly examine experiences with their perceptions and understanding of mental health conditions such as depression. This study uses data from a social media-based intervention for Black males, the Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health project. In a focus group with 8th-grade Black boys, facilitators asked open-ended questions about perceptions of mental health and depression, views of manhood, and experiences with social support. Findings revealed this group of Black boys – while well versed in many of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for mental health challenges and depression – preferred to address mental health needs on their own and through informal familial support. It also revealed the boys wrestled with the complex ways in which their racial identity would affect their experiences with mental health. The findings speak to the importance of mental health education for Black boys and the need for further research incorporating Black boys’ voices in their perceptions, experiences, and understandings of mental health. Finally, the study connects Black boys’ perspectives with many of the perspectives of their racially diverse peers.