Reflecting on Change: Critical Consciousness as a Protective Factor for Black Youth

Adrian Gale, Natasha C. Johnson, Alexandrea Golden, Jozet Channey, Aixa D. Marchand, Nkemka Anyiwo, Christy M. Byrd

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The previous decade has seen an abundance of scholarship on the benefits of critical consciousness (CC) for racial and ethnic minority youth. However, it is unclear whether CC is a buffer against the negative effects of racial discrimination on Black adolescents’ outcomes. The present study examined whether three CC dimensions buffered against the negative effects of racial discrimination on academic attitudes. Method: A total of 205 Black adolescents (Mage = 15.10) reported racial discrimination and CC. We conducted multiple regression analyses for each component of CC to test for their direct and protective effects on academic attitudes. Results: Our results revealed associations between CC dimensions and academic attitudes. Critical reflection and critical action also buffered against racial discrimination’s negative effects. Conclusions: Implications for research on the nature and impact of CC dimensions on racial discrimination and academic attitudes are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)110-117
Number of pages8
JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025

Keywords

  • Adolescent Attitudes
  • Blacks
  • Critical Thinking
  • Protective Factors
  • Race and Ethnic Discrimination
  • Racism
  • Psychological Engagement
  • Black adolescents
  • critical consciousness
  • academic attitudes
  • racial discrimination

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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