Afriican American Students' Experiences of Stress from Discrimination in Online Doctoral Education

African American Students’ Experiences of Stress from Discrimination in Online Doctoral Education by Senovia Wyche MA, Argosy University, 2013 BS, Life University, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Psychology General Psychology Walden University February 2020 Abstract There is a lack of current research about the experiences of stress related to discrimination encountered by African American students in online doctoral programs. Such discrimination can negatively impact the academics, educational experiences, and overall health of this student population. In this generic qualitative study, how African American students in online doctoral programs interpreted, perceived, and responded to their experiences of stress regarding discrimination was explored. Using the conceptual framework of Lazarus and Folkman’s cognitive appraisal theory, the research questions addressed stress related to discrimination encountered in online educational institutions, discriminatory factors perceived as inhibitors towards earning a doctoral degree, and coping strategies utilized. Data were collected from 8 African American online doctoral students, including 3 men and 5 women, in Skype interviews, and NVivo 12 facilitated the thematic analysis of their responses. Findings indicate that African American online doctoral students perceive that they experience discrimination from faculty and university staff and that this perception leads to stress, depression, and self-doubt. Research is recommended on distinguishing student isolation based on online educational delivery from student isolation based on discrimination, objectively measuring discrimination, and including the perceptions of professors and administrators. The results of the study can inform university administrators and policymakers about the importance of addressing issues of discrimination that can negatively influence the academic success and health of African American students.There is a lack of current research about the experiences of stress related to discrimination encountered by African American students in online doctoral programs. Such discrimination can negatively impact the academics, educational experiences, and overall health of this student population. In this generic qualitative study, how African American students in online doctoral programs interpreted, perceived, and responded to their experiences of stress regarding discrimination was explored. Using the conceptual framework of Lazarus and Folkman’s cognitive appraisal theory, the research questions addressed stress related to discrimination encountered in online educational institutions, discriminatory factors perceived as inhibitors towards earning a doctoral degree, and coping strategies utilized. Data were collected from 8 African American online doctoral students, including 3 men and 5 women, in Skype interviews, and NVivo 12 facilitated the thematic analysis of their responses. Findings indicate that African American online doctoral students perceive that they experience discrimination from faculty and university staff and that this perception leads to stress, depression, and self-doubt. Research is recommended on distinguishing student isolation based on online educational delivery from student isolation based on discrimination, objectively measuring discrimination, and including the perceptions of professors and administrators. The results of the study can inform university administrators and policymakers about the importance of addressing issues of discrimination that can negatively influence the academic success and health of African American students. African American Students’ Experiences of Stress from Discrimination in Online Doctoral Education by Senovia Wyche MA, Argosy University, 2013 BS, Life University, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Psychology General Psychology Walden University February 2020 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my heavenly Father, Elohim, and my loving husband and best friend, Harry Wyche. Elohim, without your love and guidance, I would not be on this path to fulfill my purpose in life. Harry, your faith and belief in my ability to complete this dissertation was extremely essential, especially in times when I grappled with periods of self-doubt. Your presence alongside me as I traveled this unknown path is what got me through. Thank you for your words of encouragement that always uplifted and restored me. I love you! Acknowledgments First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the members of my committee. Thanks to my chairperson, Dr. Kimberlee B. Bonura, for her expertise, positive feedback, guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this entire project. Thank you for your indispensable suggestions that directed me in the right path without fail. Your unwavering support is what pushed me beyond my limits not only to excel, but to also bring forth the best quality of scholarly writing and research. Thanks to my committee member, Dr. Rachel Piferi, for her valuable expertise, insight, and feedback throughout this project. You challenged me to delve deeper in terms of examining my critical thinking and writing skills in order to deliver a quality research dissertation. Thanks to Walden University for granting me access to students for this research and special thanks to the students who accepted to participate in this study and for taking time from their busy schedules to hold interview sessions with me. Thank you so much for your time and your patience! I am truly grateful. Thanks to my husband, children, and grandchildren who never gave up on me and never made me feel guilty when this project stood in the midst of quality family time. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Additionally, I would like to thank my colleagues for their moral support, especially Pat; I couldn’t have done this without you! You truly understood what I was going through because we were going through together. Thanks to my dear friend, Mary J. Andrews, for her encouraging words of wisdom. Thank you for erasing my fears and doubts and putting me at ease. You are so endearing and have such a kind, gentle, and loving spirit. You always knew what to say that made me feel so much better. I am so happy to have you in my life, you mean so much to me, words cannot explain. Thank you for being my friend, mother, teacher, spiritual mentor, and so much more!