ERIC Number: EJ1416754
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: EISSN-1532-8023
Representation, Belongingness, and Rumination in Underrepresented Psychology Students
Hannah R. Snidman; Lindsay Rice; Kade Sparger
Teaching of Psychology, v51 n2 p188-198 2024
Background: Research examining STEM fields has identified barriers for traditionally marginalized groups pursuing these fields including a lack of representation and adequate role models. Objective: Grounded with Minority Stress Theory (MST), the current study examines if a lack of inclusivity in typical course materials could create minority stress for two distinct marginalized student groups: racial and ethnic minority students (REM), and gender and sexual minority students (GSM). Method: Students were presented several questionnaires to understand their perceived representation of similar others in typical course materials, along with measures examining typical stress responses including feelings of belonging and rumination. Results: Results indicate that traditionally marginalized groups perceive less representation in course materials, feel less belonging and comfort in academic spaces, and suffer from more rumination. Conclusion: As demonstrated in this study, underrepresented minority (URM) students experience a disadvantage in education in terms of feelings of belonging and representation, which can lead to increased rumination. Teaching Implications: In STEM fields, course materials need to include more representation for URM students to reduce the stress that can result from this lack of exemplars.
Descriptors: Disproportionate Representation, Psychology, College Students, Public Colleges, Group Membership, Interpersonal Relationship, Advocacy, Gender Differences, Minority Group Students, Sexual Identity, Psychological Patterns, Sexual Orientation, Prosocial Behavior, Stress Variables
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A