Date of Award

8-31-2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Tahirah Abdullah

Second Advisor

Evan Auguste

Third Advisor

Megan Brock

Abstract

The study of Black joy is a newer concept and, therefore, reflected in a small but growing body of literature. Many scholars have reflected on the theoretical nature of Black joy and how it can appear across settings, e.g., academically, occupationally, communally, and internally, but very few studies have examined this phenomenon empirically. Several definitions of Black joy have emerged in connection to history and suffering; however, there is still a notable lack of agreement among researchers. Despite that, all conceptualizations acknowledge how this emotional experience is much greater than the pain associated with it and highlight its ability to sustain Black spirits by connecting them to the sacredness of their humanity despite their struggle (Brooks, 2020; Golden & Utah, 2015; King, 2020). Black joy in relation to children has primarily been examined in educational contexts through literacy, academic achievement, and creative expression (Crumb et al., 2023; Everett, 2022; Muhammad, 2022; Worsley & Roby, 2021). The current study expands on the growing body of literature related to Black joy by investigating the experience of this phenomenon in Black youth through an interpretive phenomenological approach. Participants were asked open-ended questions in four focus groups. Three main themes emerged across the focus groups that encompassed the experience of Black joy in this population and contributed to the formulation of a comprehensive definition of Black joy: community connectedness and involvement, appreciation and advancement of Black culture, and engagement in resistance. Additionally, this study provides more knowledge of the experience of Black joy and describes clinical considerations for incorporating this concept with Black youth populations.

Comments

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