Association Of Black Psychologists Research Articles

Seeing One Another: The Creation of the Sawubona Healing Circles

In 2020, the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) drew attention to the history of racism in the United States on the creation and exacerbation of extant medical racial inequities to the detriment of Black individuals. Recognizing that solutions based solely in Western frameworks cannot fully address the mental health needs of Black individuals, ABPsi devoted collaborative efforts to develop culturally grounding healing responses for the unique experiences of race-based invisibility and trauma. Additionally, amid the pandemic, individuals of African-descent experienced various mass racial traumas, including a wave of widely publicized police violence. Beginning with COVID-19, these intersecting pandemics of racism elucidated the need for healing, particularly culturally grounding healing. In consultation with the Black Family Summit, ABPsi developed a pilot investigation, the Sawubona Healing Circle (SHC) initiative, which are culturally grounding healing circles to support Black first responders. Using an African-centered worldview, the circles recognize and validate the specific constellation of anti-Black traumas and stressors, equipping them with African-centered healing methods. This paper outlines the theory, development, implementation, and initial evaluation of the SHC intervention.

Reflections from the wading pool: Detoxifying racist psychological waters while submerged in their waves.

Psychology, like water, is not inherently toxic. However, historical and contemporary currents, particularly those pertaining to racism in the United States, have poisoned the field and caused harm to Black communities. As early-career scholars, the authors note both the importance of and challenges inherent in rectification, especially in light of the American Psychological Association's (APA) resolutions in 2021 aimed at addressing and redressing systemic racism within psychology and beyond. Through a primary focus on anti-Black racism and the use of an extended metaphor of water, we utilize personal reflection, interviews, and historical accounts to better understand how racism has impacted the field of psychology from within to better consider efforts to reduce its impact on the greater Black American community. We note how the APA was founded with and perpetuated racist scholarship and practice and consider the founding and subsequent resistance of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) as a cautionary tale to depict what can happen when the water becomes too toxic. We then seek to use this history of internal dynamics to better understand a superordinate goal, that is, how to extend antiracism efforts outward. We interviewed venerable Black psychologists and provided our own recommendations to consider what is necessary to support healing among Black communities impacted by racism. We conclude by acknowledging that although the waves of psychology can be consuming, terse, and painful, our ability to detoxify the water is possible with perspectives that cultivate deep pools of inquiry, mutual understanding, and action. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Dual Pandemics: Race-Related COVID Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Black Individuals.

Black individuals have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due in part to historically rooted stressors that lie at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism. We used secondary data from The Association of Black Psychologists' multi-state needs assessment of 2480 Black adults to examine the link between race-related COVID stress (RRCS) and mental health outcomes. We also examined the moderating roles of everyday discrimination, cultural mistrust, Black activism, Black identity, and spirituality/religiosity in these associations. T-tests revealed that several demographic and cultural factors are associated with RRCS endorsement. A series of regression analyses showed that endorsement of RRCS is associated with higher psychological distress and lower well-being, above and beyond several sociodemographic characteristics. While traditional cultural protective factors did not buffer against the effects of RRCS on mental health, cultural mistrust strengthened the positive association between RRCS and psychological distress; nonetheless, the association of cultural mistrusts with psychological distress was only seen in those who endorsed RRCS. We provide recommendations for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to consider the impact of RRCS when addressing Black mental health and well-being in the age of COVID-19.

Alternate Cultural Paradigms in Psychology: Long Overdue Recognition and Further Articulations

Many ethnic-acknowledging psychology researchers, practitioners, and their allies have expressed dissatisfaction with Eurowestern, mainstream psychology in the United States as it shows serious shortcomings when used to understand and serve minoritized communities. Eurowestern psychology has been criticized for its imperialistic, one-size-fits-all view of humanity. Accordingly, we challenge the neglect of the history and value of ethnic acknowledgment in psychology perpetrated and maintained by Eurowestern psychology, including mainstream psychology in the United States. We operationalize such challenge by articulating the construct of alternate cultural paradigms, by following it with a series of contributions authored by leading figures from each of the Ethnic Acknowledging Psychological Associations (EAPAs) in the United States, and by closing with a commentary by a renowned scholar in the field. The current article, followed by five separate and distinct articles from authors identified with each of the EAPAs (i.e., the Association of Black Psychologists [ABPsi], the National Latinx Psychological Association [NLPA], the Society of Indian Psychologists [SIP], the Asian American Psychological Association [AAPA], the Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association [AMENA-Psy]), together with a concluding commentary conforms the Special Issue on alternate cultural paradigms in psychology in the United States.

Black Emotional Wellness: The Multiple Voices of Teacher Education Scholars

4 | BLACK HISTORY BULLETIN VOL. 84, NO. 2 84 No.2 FOREWORD BLACK EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: THE MULTIPLE VOICES OF TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARS By: Alicia L. Moore and La Vonne I. Neal The theme for this issue of the Black History Bulletin (BHB) is Black Health and Wellness—the 2022 Black History Theme. In 2020, the haunting lyrics of the song “I Can’t Breathe,” written by H.E.R., award-winning artist, composer, and social justice activist, echoed the emotional trauma of Black people: I can’t breathe, You’re taking my life from me, I can’t breathe, Will anyone fight for me?1 During the COVID-19 pandemic, educators led the pedagogical fight to inspire Black students to persist. Dr. Greg Wiggan, professor of urban education and affiliate faculty member of African studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is Guest Editor for this issue of the BHB. The authors of this issue describe the role of science in teaching social justice. Specifically, they illuminate contributions of Blacks in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Theauthorsanchortheirarticlesusing corequestions throughout their articles and culturally responsive companion lesson plans, such as: 1. How has social construction of race impacted Black health and wellness in the US? 2. How has the “slave diet” impacted the health and wellness of African Americans? 3. How are the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism impacting Black mental health? 4. How can revolutionary approaches to teaching history and social studies foster positive self-concept and enhance selfefficacy among Black students? Notes: 1 H.E.R., “I Can’t Breathe” Lyrics, https://www.her-official. com/. Teacher Resources: • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that offer medical programs, https://hbcu-colleges.com/medical. • Association of Black Psychologists, https://abpsi.site-ym. com/. • National Black Nurses Association, https://www.nbna.org/. • National Medical Association, https://www.nmanet.org/. • Black Mental Wellness—a virtual community dedicated to the mental health and wellness of Black people, https://www. blackmentalwellness.com/. LA VONNE I. NEAL, Ph.D., is professor emerita and retired associate vice president, administration and Finance, Northern Illinois University. ALICIA L. MOORE, Ph.D.,is department chair and holds the Cargill Endowed Professorship in Education at Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas. ...

African, Black, Neither or Both? Models and Strategies Developed and Implemented by The Association of Black Psychologists

The Association of Black Psychologists’ (ABPsi) has embodied its mission within the context of the evolving discipline of Black Psychology. In its 50-year evolution, the association has evolved and expanded beyond its initial concerns to include an articulation of a science of Black human functioning, ergo an African-centered or African psychology. The nascent association called for a logic of human behavior, wellness, and illness from an African episteme and cultural worldview. Equivalent to a scientific revolution, the Black psychology discussion has evolved to a Pan-African discussion with a new cadre of debates emerging in the literature including among continental African scholars focusing on the existence, definition, and praxis of an African psychology. Over the course of this intellectual quest, ABPsi, aligned with its mission as a professional association, advanced several models of psychological theory and practice as well as strategies grounded in Black, African-centered, and/or Black psychology. A sample of these models and strategies are discussed through the lens of the association’s evolving articulation of a science of Black human functioning.

Introduction: Building for Eternity

This article provides an introduction to the special issue in the Journal of Black Psychology, commemorating the 50th anniversary of The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi). A highlight is provided of the five articles that makeup this issue. Jamison takes a developmental approach in examining keys concepts, theories, and issues that have been or need to be addressed in African/Black psychology. In contrast, Cokley and Garba examine how Black psychology has had an impact on the field of psychology. Grills, Nobles, and Hill scrutinize the models and strategies of Black psychology, African psychology, African-centered, and Pan-African psychology that have been developed through ABPsi. Myers, Anderson, Lodge, Speight, and Queener present optimal conceptual theory, an alternative cultural paradigm based in the African worldview, and discuss its application therapeutically and pragmatically as a solution to global human challenges. Finally, as emerging scholars, Woodyard and Gadson provide a critical reflection of the impact on ABPsi on their personal and professional development.

Emerging Black Scholars: Critical Reflections on the Impact of the Association of Black Psychologists

This article highlights two Student Circle members’ reflections on how the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) has had an impact on their development as emerging scholars, clinicians, and advocates in African (Black) psychology. The emerging scholars share their personal training experiences at a predominately White institution and historical Black college/university. Reflections also include how ABPsi members and scholarly works have influenced their identities as future African (Black) psychologists. In addition, the history, meaning, and personal experience with jegnaship will be discussed. Finally, this reflection concludes with a call to action for students to get involved in shaping the future of ABPsi.

Joseph White (1932–2017).

Presents an obituary of Joseph White (1932-2017), often called "the godfather of Black psychology." During a distinguished 56-year career, White held many professional roles, perhaps none more profound than that of mentor. Additionally, White served as a (supervising) psychologist to five hospitals and three clinical practices. He served as chairman of the California State Psychology Licensing Board for 3 years. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of The Menninger Foundation in Houston, Texas, and held the title of professor emeritus of psychology and psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine, where he spent most of his career as a professor and director of ethnic studies and cross-cultural programs. White personified a socially engaged psychologist. He continually promoted the goals of multiculturalism and social justice through his practice and scholarship. The author or coauthor of numerous articles and books, he was a founder of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) and a pioneer in the field of Black psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The Formation of the Association of Black Psychologists

The Formation of the Association of Black Psychologists

The Challenges Facing the Association of Black Psychologists

The Challenges Facing the Association of Black Psychologists

The Association of Black Psychologists

The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) was founded on September 2, 1968, in San Francisco, California, in response to the American Psychological Association’s failure to address the mental health needs of the Black community. This revolutionary idea was borne out of the efforts of Black early career psychologists and student activists from across the United States. ABPsi, as the first national ethnic psychological association, has led the field of psychology in the areas of racial/ethnic identity, cultural psychology, multicultural competencies, positive psychology, and social justice. ABPsi publishes a peer-reviewed journal ( Journal of Black Psychology) and a quarterly newsletter ( Psych Discourse). More recently, ABPsi has established a licensing, certification, and proficiency program in African-centered Black psychology. A brief history of ABPsi and its relationship to the field of counseling psychology is discussed.

Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations and the Society of Counseling Psychology

This article provides a summary of the Major Contribution on the Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations (Asian American Psychological Association, The Association of Black Psychologists, National Latina/o Psychological Association, Society of Indian Psychologists, and American Psychological Association Division 45) and their connections to counseling psychology and the Society of Counseling Psychology. An overview and highlights of common themes are provided and seven recommendations for future connections are explored. This article is one of seven articles that are part of a special issue of The Counseling Psychologist focused on the relationship between the five major Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations (EMPAs) and the Society of Counseling Psychology.

Ethnic Minority Psychological Associations

This article provides the introduction, background and rationale for the Major Contribution focused on five national ethnic minority psychological associations: the Asian American Psychological Association, The Association of Black Psychologists, the National Latina/o Psychological Association, the Society of Indian Psychologists, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues (Division 45 of the American Psychological Association). The first five articles focus on each of the five major ethnic minority psychological associations and their relationship to the specialty of counseling psychology in general and, more specifically, to the largest professional organization of counseling psychologists, the Society of Counseling Psychology, Division 17 of the American Psychological Association. In the final article, we summarize general trends and make recommendations. In this introductory article, we (a) describe our rationale for the Major Contribution, (b) provide a brief history of counseling psychology’s growing commitment to an inclusive multicultural psychology, and (c) conclude with a brief description of the articles and authors included in the Major Contribution.

What Makes a Distinguished Black Psychologist? An Empirical Analysis of Eminence

The present study is a qualitative analysis of the autobiographical narratives and contributions of 34 psychologists who have received the Association of Black Psychologists’ (ABPsi) Distinguished Psychologist Award. The award is one example of how ABPsi engages in activities that sustain its unique Afrocentric collective identity, activities referred to in the social movement literature as “identity work.” Although distinguished Black psychologists do not represent a homogeneous group, all tend to possess strong leadership skills, demonstrate some degree of creative productivity, and display an improvisational style of resilient survival skills. Their careers focus on issues that concretely and materially affect people of African descent. First-person autobiographical accounts of awardees are important documents in the history and ongoing development of Black psychology and serve as valuable teaching and mentoring tools. They provide the basis for identifying future distinguished talent among ABPsi members and for shaping the creative development of undergraduate and graduate students.

The history and visions of African American psychology: Multiple pathways to place, space, and authority.

The author describes the multiple pathways of events and strategies that served to nurture African American psychology in the United States. Special attention is given to strategies for inclusion and empowerment used in 4 psychological professional and scholarly associations: the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, the Association of Black Psychologists, and the Society for Research in Child Development. In addition, the author describes 4 major intellectual traditions that informed not only the strategies of inclusion but also the theoretical, research, and intervention perspectives and other professional and academic efforts of African American psychologists. Those perspectives are the Afrocentric/African-centered tradition derived from longstanding nationalist/Pan-African and culturally centered traditions within African American communities; the social contextual/multidisciplinary research tradition of the University of Chicago School of Social Science; the empirical social science research tradition of the University of Michigan; and the Black scholar/activist tradition of Howard University. This article also presents a chronological timeline of major events in the history of African American psychology.

A 40-Year History of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)

A 40-Year History of the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)

Association of Black Psychologists 2007 Research Award

Association of Black Psychologists 2007 Research Award

In Search of the Truth about History, Sexuality, and Black Women: An Interview with Gail E. Wyatt

Tresmaine R. Grimes is Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychology and Sociology at South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC). Her research interests include the development of children and adolescents and substance abuse. She teaches courses in general, child, abnormal, and personality psychology as well as human sexuality. Gail E. Wyatt is a sex therapist, researcher, and professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). She is also the Associate Director of Behavioral Science Research, Education, and Training for the UCLA AIDS Institute. Wyatt has appeared on numerous national and local television and radio programs, and has had her research featured in Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Essence, Ebony, and Emerge. She has been recognized for distinguished contributions in research on public policy by the American Psychological Association (APA) and recognized as an outstanding researcher by the Association of Black Psychologists and the Society for the Study of Ethnicity and Culture of the APA. She is also a recipient of the Carolyn Sherif Award from APA's Division of the Psychology of Women and author of the critically acclaimed book, Stolen Women.

The National Association of Black Psychologists

The National Association of Black Psychologists