Date of Conferral
12-27-2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Counselor Education and Supervision
Advisor
Ariel Harrison
Abstract
Despite social media's use as a tool for social influence and increase in mental health disclosures within Black communities, limited literature describes how Black college students, specifically, are utilizing social media related to mental health. This qualitative study includes a description of the influence of social media on the perception of counseling services for Black college students. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) through the lens of Kelman's social influence theory, the influence of social media on Black college students' perception of counseling services was explored. Currently enrolled Black or African American college or university students within the United States, over 18 years old were sought for participation. Data were collected from nine participants using in-depth semi structured interviews to make sense of the participants' lived experiences. Following the IPA analysis approach, three emerging themes and four subordinate themes emerged. The three main emergent themes consisted of (a) connection with family and friends, (b) personal and professional benefits, and (c) evolution of mental health beliefs. The results from this study indicated the social influence through social media can be used as a strengths-based resource to foster social connections and spread mental-health-related messages and awareness. The findings from this study can be used fill a gap in understanding the role of social media as a strengths-based resource, protective factor, and culturally informed intervention for counselors and counselor educators who serve Black college students.
Recommended Citation
Burston, Shamanda, "The Lived Experiences of Black College Students and Counseling Based Upon Social Media Influences" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16883.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16883
