An Exploratory Study of School Psychology Students' Perceptions of Religious and Spiritual Diversity Training in their Graduate Programs.

Religiosity and spirituality are essential aspects of individuals' cultural identities. However, the field of school psychology has generally avoided in-depth discussion regarding the implications of religious/spiritual diversity within the context of multiculturalism and culturally responsive practice. One aim of this study was to examine school psychology students' perceptions of their current training relative to religious and spiritual diversity, because graduate training is critical for helping emerging practitioners develop attitudes, knowledge, and skills to employ culturally responsive services. Results showed that students received limited preparation and explicit teaching to address issues related to religious and spiritual diversity; and programs most frequently addressed disability diversity, socioeconomic diversity, and racial/ethnic diversity. Furthermore, the participants most frequently identified practicum experiences as facilitating their capacity to respond to religious and spiritual diversity in their professional practice. Key results suggest that school psychology graduate students may benefit from more explicit instruction during their graduate training to respond to religion and spirituality as  aspects of cultural diversity in their professional work.

Early career Black women in school-based mental health fields: Understanding their experiences of workplace discrimination.

This study aimed to understand school mental health providers' experiences with racism and other forms of discrimination (i.e., gendered-based discrimination) at work, with an exclusive focus on early career Black women. Participants included 10 Black women in school-based mental health fields, namely school psychology and school counseling. All participants completed one individual interview and data analysis was grounded in a transcendental phenomenological approach. Findings revealed three key themes: (1) Affinity and Action, (2) Individual Experience of Discrimination, and (3) Systemic Racism and Discrimination Impacting Students of Color. Participants were passionate about advocating for all students and liberating marginalized students from oppressive school structures. However, participants' own experiences with discrimination impacted their well-being and job satisfaction. The participating women utilized several strategies to cope and push for change (e.g., reporting to the human resource personnel). Yet, people in power precluded their efforts and the emotional toll led some participants to question whether they should transition to a new field of practice. Findings from this research support calls for increased attention to Black women in school mental health fields, because they are placed at risk of experiencing work discrimination due to their intersectional identities.

Black adolescents' perceptions of COVID-19: Challenges, coping, and connection to family, religious, and school support.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic swept the nation by surprise, leaving a deep-seated impact on individuals' social, mental, and physical health. Despite there being disparities between Black and White/non-Hispanic individuals, minimal research has been conducted to explore the effects of the virus on marginalized groups. This study aimed to investigate Black adolescents' perceptions of their experiences with COVID-19, including the challenges they encountered, the coping strategies they employed, and their use of religious/spiritual and school-based support. Twelve Black youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years were interviewed during the early stages of the pandemic (June and July of 2020). Participants struggled with adjusting to the changes in their daily routines, navigating virtual learning, and emerging mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety). To cope with these challenges, participants relied on emotion and problem-focused coping strategies, including strategies that were religious/spiritual in nature. Participants also relied on social support from family, school personnel, and their religious community, though they lamented about the varied support received from the latter two. Findings from this research support calls for mental health providers to employ culturally affirming mental health services and engage in interagency collaboration to support Black youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).