VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1, 2024

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THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH EDUCATED MIDDLE CLASS AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES’ PERCEPTIONS OF POTENTIAL POLICE BRUTALITY: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

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Abstract Bor et al. (2018) stated that African Americans are almost three times more likely to be murdered by police officers than White Americans. As African American males’ have been exposed to police brutality, anxiety and distress associated with police encounters have increased (Graham et al., 2020). The objective of this article is to explore the effect of potential exposure to
police brutality on educated, middle-class African American males to understand their current state of mental health through their personal perceptions. By using a qualitative design, this phenomenological study consisted of focus groups of five educated, middle-class African American males that were presented with questions to gain insight related to exposure with police encounters. The results were that middle class and educated African American males’ perceive police presence as negative, and that police presence has a negative impact on their mental health.

 

Keywords : African American males, middle-class, educated, police brutality, mental health

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Beats, Rhymes, and Risks: Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Media Consumption and Gender on Adolescent Substance Use

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This study examines the relationship between hip-hop media consumption and adolescent substance use, revealing significant gender-based differences. Male students reported higher substance use, particularly when consuming hip-hop content extensively. These findings highlight the importance of culturally relevant interventions, such as hip-hop therapy, to promote healthier behaviors among adolescents.

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Keywords : Hip hop culture, Adolescent behaviors, Substance usage patterns, Gender difference in adolescent substance usage