TY - JOUR
T1 - A Mixed-Methods Study of the Experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color MSW Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
AU - Maglalang, Dale Dagar
AU - Harris, Abril N.
AU - Tucker, Ty B.
AU - Parchment, Tyrone M.
N1 - Funding Information:
This study was funded by the Office of the Dean at Boston College School of Social Work.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 National Association of Social Workers.
PY - 2023/9/1
Y1 - 2023/9/1
N2 - Few studies have explored the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) MSW students during the pandemic. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the experiences of BIPOC MSW students in a predominantly white institution in the Northeast during the pandemic and how it affected their mental health. Findings presented were drawn from 29 students who participated in online surveys and focus groups. About 69% of our sample experienced psychological distress, with higher proportions among those who identified as Latine/Latinx, womxn, straight, first-generation, full-time and part-time students, and clinical students. Qualitative findings highlighted three main themes: (1) the experiences and needs of white MSW students were prioritized, (2) inconsistencies in the response to the pandemic forced students to advocate for themselves in their classes and field placements, and (3) virtual learning provided a reprieve for students from experiencing racism that helped improve their perceived well-being. Findings indicate that MSW programs need to commit to acknowledging how systemic racism affects the learning experiences of BIPOC MSW students, work toward dismantling these oppressive structures, and allocate resources that center the health and well-being of BIPOC students and their lived experiences.
AB - Few studies have explored the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) MSW students during the pandemic. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the experiences of BIPOC MSW students in a predominantly white institution in the Northeast during the pandemic and how it affected their mental health. Findings presented were drawn from 29 students who participated in online surveys and focus groups. About 69% of our sample experienced psychological distress, with higher proportions among those who identified as Latine/Latinx, womxn, straight, first-generation, full-time and part-time students, and clinical students. Qualitative findings highlighted three main themes: (1) the experiences and needs of white MSW students were prioritized, (2) inconsistencies in the response to the pandemic forced students to advocate for themselves in their classes and field placements, and (3) virtual learning provided a reprieve for students from experiencing racism that helped improve their perceived well-being. Findings indicate that MSW programs need to commit to acknowledging how systemic racism affects the learning experiences of BIPOC MSW students, work toward dismantling these oppressive structures, and allocate resources that center the health and well-being of BIPOC students and their lived experiences.
KW - COVID-19
KW - mental health
KW - racism
KW - social work education
KW - students of color
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U2 - 10.1093/swr/svad011
DO - 10.1093/swr/svad011
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85172265391
SN - 1070-5309
VL - 47
SP - 182
EP - 194
JO - Social Work Research
JF - Social Work Research
IS - 3
ER -