Twenty-fourth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

According to Abraham Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs, to self-actualize, the individual must feel like they belong and they are safe in their environment. This means that the society in which they reside informs them that they are welcome and secure. This message communicates to the individual that they can self-actualize and become the person they want to be because their need for safety and belonging is being met. For members of ethnic minority groups, the message they receive from society is vastly different. They are constantly reminded that they do not belong based on their race, ethnicity, skin color, and national origin. This societal rejection creates a hostile environment in the form of racism, discrimination, oppression, and, microaggression which harms the mental health of ethnic minority group members. The interaction with a hostile environment has a negative impact on their mental health resulting in the development of mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. To highlight the impact that a hostile environment has on the mental health of ethnic minority group members as they are more likely to experience racism/discrimination, live in poverty, lack access to quality healthcare, education, housing, and culturally competent mental health services. The clinician reviewed the completed written initial intake assessment of individuals who identified as being members of ethnic minority groups and who were seeking mental health services. The assessment inquired about the presenting problem, racial, ethnic and cultural identity, experiences with racism, and past experiences with mental health agencies.