Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Leigh D'Amico
Abstract
This study analyzed the experiences of five men of color in student service roles dealing with mental health stressors, such as discrimination, workplace burnout, tokenism, and low morale. To highlight their experiences, a brave space was utilized as an intervention. The following questions were examined and answered within this qualitative, action research study: (1) What are the experiences of men of color with mental health challenges in student service roles? (2) How do mental health problems affect the personal and professional lives of men of color in student service roles? (3) How do the brave spaces impact the mental health and professional well-being of men of color in student service roles? Critical Race Theory (CRT), Gender Role Theory, and Sense of Community Theory were employed as a theoretical framework to guide the study. Based on the narrative approach, three major themes that emerged were understanding the impact of systemic issues and institutional policies, recognizing emotional barriers, and understanding the importance of student advocacy. These major themes, along with other findings in the study, inform recommendations, limitations, and future studies.
Rights
© 2025, Calvin Maurice Joyner
Recommended Citation
Joyner, C. M.(2025). Hearing the Unheard: Creating a Brave Space to Analyze the Experiences of Men of Color in Student Service Roles and Their Mental Health Challenges Within Higher Education. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8512