Shame and stigma: reimagining masculinity and strength for Black boys

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, data has suggested that the mental and emotional health of Black youth have worsened. Social influencers of health such as disparities in access to mental health services; direct, indirect, and systemic experiences of racism; and greater risk of adverse childhood experiences have all also been impacted by and exacerbated by the pandemic, further contributing to mental health concerns among Black youth. This presents a particularly important time to understand and identify treatments that address the specific and unique mental health concerns of Black youth, more specifically Black boys.

Black boys are more likely to experience the pressures of Black masculinity roles, which suggest that they must be physically and emotionally strong, athletic, and places less emphasis and value on their emotional health and feelings. This webinar will provide the audience with an understanding of the unique experiences of Black boys, the negative impact of shame and stigma on their mental health (depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicide), and how collectively these factors may make vulnerability, sharing their feelings, and seeking help even more difficult. This presentation will also provide strategies for reducing the stigmatization of mental health, specifically among Black boys.