Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Emily Srisarajivakul

Committee Member

Alexandrea Golden

Committee Member

Randy Floyd

Abstract

Prior literature identifies discriminatory school experiences as a factor in Black women’s thoughts of leaving school psychology training programs (Jackson, 2023; Proctor, 2009). However, no studies have thoroughly examined how intersecting racial and gender discrimination contributes to Black women’s decisions to follow through with leaving. In addressing this gap, participants included eight Black women who left their programs between 2017 and 2023 due to discriminatory treatment. A reflexive thematic qualitative design was employed, and the following themes emerged: microaggressions, harsher evaluation and academic underestimation, alienation and exclusion, unsuccessful attempts to make the environment more bearable, and finding greatness elsewhere. Implications include uplifting the voices of Black women who have left school psychology training programs and providing trainers with insight into how to better support Black women trainees, thereby promoting greater diversification within school psychology and potentially lessening the likelihood of Black and Brown students being disproportionately misplaced within special education. Keywords: racial discrimination, school psychology, Black feminist thought, attrition

Comments

Data is provided by the student.”

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access

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Archival Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2026, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. This material is part of a digital archival collection and is not utilized for current University instruction, programs, or active public communication. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.