Isiwele Anthony, Stokes Gillian, Callender Christine, Rivas Carol
Social Research Institute, IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK.
Discov Ment Health. 2025 Jul 9;5(1):103. doi: 10.1007/s44192-025-00233-2.
This study explores the lived experiences of trauma, loss, and resilience among Black African Ghanaian and Nigerian young people in Inner London. It examines how cultural identity, race, and systemic barriers shape their mental health and coping mechanisms, including silence, faith, and community support.
A qualitative approach using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to analyse semi-structured interviews with ten participants (aged 16-25) and a participatory impact workshop. The study applied ecological systems theory (EST), critical race theory (CRT), and cultural humility to provide a nuanced understanding of mental health experiences.
Participants described trauma as profoundly disruptive, affecting their identity, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Cultural norms often discouraged emotional expression, reinforcing silence as both a coping mechanism and a barrier to healing. Faith and spirituality emerged as key sources of resilience, offering emotional stability and, for some, integration with formal mental health support.
Culturally sensitive mental health interventions that integrate faith and community support frameworks are essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by Black African youth in London. Additionally, addressing systemic barriers, including racism, marginalisation, and inequitable access to care, is crucial to improving mental health outcomes and promoting long-term well-being.
本研究探讨了伦敦市中心的非洲加纳和尼日利亚黑人青年的创伤、失落及复原力的生活经历。研究考察了文化身份、种族和系统性障碍如何塑造他们的心理健康及应对机制，包括沉默、信仰和社区支持。
采用质性研究方法，运用解释现象学分析（IPA）对10名参与者（年龄在16 - 25岁之间）的半结构化访谈以及一次参与式影响研讨会进行分析。该研究应用生态系统理论（EST）、批判种族理论（CRT）和文化谦逊来深入理解心理健康经历。
参与者将创伤描述为极具破坏性，影响他们的身份认同、社会关系和情感幸福。文化规范常常抑制情感表达，强化了沉默作为一种应对机制以及康复障碍的作用。信仰和灵性成为复原力的关键来源，提供了情感稳定性，对一些人来说，还与正式的心理健康支持相结合。
整合信仰和社区支持框架的文化敏感型心理健康干预对于应对伦敦非洲黑人青年面临的独特挑战至关重要。此外，消除包括种族主义、边缘化和医疗服务获取不平等在内的系统性障碍，对于改善心理健康结果和促进长期幸福至关重要。
