Influential Psychologists and Their Contributions to the Field

Over the last few months, we have observed Black history, women’s history, and promoted mental health awareness. In spirit of continuing to honor diversity as we move toward Juneteenth celebration, let us take a moment to highlight the valuable contributions of psychologists who have made tremendous impacts within the field of psychology and black mental health.

For example, Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner, PhD was the first African American to receive a PhD in psychology. His research focused on racial bias and justice within the educational system. Dr. Inez Prosser, PhD is recognized as the first African American woman to receive a PhD in psychology. While there is not much known about her upbringing, her work also paved the way for Dr. Mamie Clark. Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, PhD was the first African-American woman to receive a PhD in psychology from Columbia University.  Dr. Mamie Clark and her husband, Dr. Kenneth Clark, are well known for their research on internalized racism and impacts of segregation on children of color which led to the famous “Doll Study.” 

These doll tests played a large role in defending the need for integration in the Brown vs. Board court case. Much of their research was an extension of Mamie Clark’s thesis on children and their awareness of self/racial identity in segregated public schools.

Start Meeting Your Mental Health Needs

These psychologists have laid the foundation for evidence-based research on mental health and wellness while considering important components of racial identity. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to enhance Black mental wellness.  

As we continue to strive for racial and gender equality amidst the corona-virus pandemic,  it is important to improve mental health now more than ever. So what can you do to start meeting your mental health needs? The first step is increasing your awareness and understanding of what your body is telling you.

Pay attention to changes in your thinking, behaviors, emotional states, productivity, physical health, sense of self, and overall satisfaction.  These changes may indicate that it is time to shake up your normal routine and be more intentional about caring for yourself. You can start with small behavioral changes designed to encourage healthy functioning. 

Self-Care! What Does it Mean to You?

This may be a term that you are familiar with, but do you know what self-care means for you? How do you care for your own unique needs? Self-care means making conscious effort to improve your overall well-being. This not only applies to mental health, but also physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. For example:

• Are you receiving adequate sleep?
• Are you getting enough sunlight?
• Will you allow yourself time to engage in hobbies and activities of interest?
• Do you reserve space to reflect on and hold your emotions?
• Do you feel connected to others and your environment? 

These are all examples of aspects of caring for yourself and being attentive to your needs.

Self-care From a Culturally Relevant Lens

While self-care is an important aspect of well-being for everyone, it is especially critical for those belonging to  socially disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations. There is an additional challenge of experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing about discriminatory events that impact you and/or members of your in-group while still being expected to “show up.” Showing up may mean being fully present and engaged in work, school, and other professional settings despite battling with emotional and psychological stress.

Some people in predominately White spaces, may be expected to educate others about race and injustices instead of receiving support needed. The Association of Black Psychologists developed a self-care kit unique to healing when experiencing various forms of cultural trauma. The following are included in this kit:

• Allowing space for validation of your experiences
• Self-monitoring for stress and trauma reactions
• Taking breaks as needed to restore
• Engaging in self-compassion
• Periodically disconnecting from the news and other outlets that may show triggering information
• Connecting with others

Amid a pandemic, we also face added barriers and challenges. However, these  self-care strategies can serve to help improve your emotional, psychological, spiritual, social, and professional well-being. Furthermore, Wellness 360 provides individual and couples therapy services that engages the mind and body for optimal healing. We also strive to affirm and honor diversity.

Here are a couple of links to help! (Will open in a new tab)

• Family Care – Community Care – Self Care Tool Kit (PDF)
• Resources for Self Care.

Please feel free to reach out to us as needed and remember to be kind to yourself!