Black American College Student Perspectives on Disproportionate Police Contact

A Qualitative Analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID8913848
AuthorsKristina F Ray (0000-0002-1069-4697, University of Central Arkansas), Christina E Jeffrey (0000-0001-5631-5034, University of Central Arkansas, corresponding author), Kathleen Armstrong (0009-0005-2854-1970, University of Central Arkansas), Lawrence Watkins (0009-0000-8620-6816, Texas A&M University)
Year2025
Volume53
Issue5
Pages610-647
Publication date2025-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Counseling Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0011-0000 • E-ISSN: 1552-3861
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00110000251371086
OpenAlexW4414117148
LanguageEN
References cited43

Although the Black American community regularly faces discrimination from United States law enforcement, reciprocal psychological strategies for improving the well-being of Black Americans is understudied. This qualitative study interviewed 15 Black American students at a midsize university in the Southern United States regarding (a) their perceptions of law enforcement’s interactions with the Black community, (b) effects on well-being and mental health, (c) coping strategies for justice system and law enforcement related distress, (d) ways for mental health professionals to assist Black individuals in amplifying coping strategies, and (e) actions that mental health professionals should take in response to systemic racial oppression. Consensual qualitative research (CQR) analysis showed nine prevalent domains: relations with police, power dynamics/sense of power, culture, emotional distress, effects of media, proposed strategies, utilization of mental health services, coping strategies, and survival skills. Results provide important recommendations for mental health providers, multicultural researchers, and policyholders

African american · Coping (psychology · Criminal justice · Law enforcement · Mental health · Multiculturalism · Perception · Qualitative analysis · Qualitative research · Education Discipline and Inequality · Migration, Health and Trauma · Policing Practices and Perceptions

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