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.
Presenters
Olusola Togun ButlerCEO & Licensed Psychotherapist, Mental Health, Butterfly Counseling Services, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Cultural Competence, Mental Health, Trauma, Stigma, Barriers To Treatment, Culturally-Responsive
Digital Media
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