Date of Conferral
7-17-2026
Date of Award
July 2026
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Sandra Rasmussen
Abstract
The Flint, Michigan, water crisis of 2014, with lead contamination of drinking water, adversely affected predominantly Black, socioeconomically disadvantaged residents. However, no research has investigated residents’ experiences, especially their trust in local and state government leaders. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of the Flint water crisis and its psychological effects. Rawls’s theory of justice provided the framework for the study. Three research questions guided this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. Information from eight Flint residents was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological steps. Five strong themes emerged: understanding individual perceptions, views of government, levels of trust, recommendations for restoring faith in government, and implications for social change These findings, together with Rawls’s theory of justice, can potentially impact social change by helping restore residents’ trust in government, correct environmental injustice, develop safe public water policies, and begin to address governance failures.
Recommended Citation
Glenn, Joe W., "The Lived Experiences of the Flint Water Crisis and Its Psychological Effects" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20344.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20344
