ABSTRACT

Background: Traditionally, research examining Black student’s mental health has occurred from a deficits-based perspective while failing to acknowledge their fortitude in persevering despite enduring adverse circumstances (i.e. racism and discrimination). However, a growing body of literature highlights the importance of focusing on positive mental health (PMH), which is comprised of social, emotional, and psychological well-being. More importantly, it buffers against mental illness which is important given the low help-seeking rates among Black students.Objective: To date, no studies have examined PMH exclusively in Black students; therefore, our understanding of their ability to flourish in the college setting remains limited. Therefore, this article provides an overview of Black college students and the need to target correlates of PMH to promote mental health.Conclusion: Focusing on PMH provides a holistic picture of Black student’s mental health and aids in reducing the educational and health disparities that currently exist between Black and White students.

摘要

背景：传统上，对黑人学生心理健康的研究是从基于缺陷的角度进行的，但未能承认他们在忍受不利环境（即种族主义和歧视）的情况下坚持不懈的毅力。然而，越来越多的文献强调了关注积极心理健康 (PMH) 的重要性，其中包括社交、情感和心理健康。更重要的是，它可以缓冲精神疾病，鉴于黑人学生的求助率较低，这一点很重要。客观的：迄今为止，还没有研究专门针对黑人学生检查 PMH。因此，我们对他们在大学环境中蓬勃发展的能力的了解仍然有限。因此，本文概述了黑人大学生以及针对 PMH 的相关性以促进心理健康的必要性。结论：关注 PMH 可以全面了解黑人学生的心理健康状况，并有助于减少目前黑人和白人学生之间存在的教育和健康差距。