Date Approved

6-12-2024

Embargo Period

6-13-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Department

Educational Leadership, Administration, and Research

College

College of Education

Advisor

James Coaxum, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

MaryBeth Walpole, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Phillip Cockrell, Ph.D.

Keywords

racial battle fatigue, racial microaggressions, student affairs professionals, well-being.

Subject(s)

Minority college administrators; Racism

Disciplines

Education | Educational Leadership | Higher Education

Abstract

Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis this study explored the rich experiences of seven racially minoritized student affairs professionals (RMSAPs) who experienced racial battle fatigue (RBF) and the impact it had on their health at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Social psychological research has identified both blatant and subtle forms of racial discrimination have adverse which lead to deleterious mental health outcomes for racially minoritized individuals. The findings indicated that these racially minoritized student affairs professionals were experiencing racial microaggressions and racial battle fatigue at their predominately white institution. In order to reclaim their wellness, participants shared the strategies they used to sustain their commitment to advocating and supporting minoritized students. These findings also included the recommendations that participants had for their PWI and how they could support their health and well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

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