An evidence-based, ecologically valid, culturally responsive video intervention to help individuals cope with racism

Racism is a public health burden affecting the psychological, physical, and social health of vast majority of people of color in the United States. Literature has consistently documented the unique ways racism can impact people of color. Yet, little empirical research has actually examined the efficacy of interventions and efforts developed to help people of color cope with and process their reactions to experiences of racism. Therefore, the primary purpose of this work is to develop and test evidence-based, ecologically valid, and culturally responsive first-person narrative videos that be used to help individuals cope with and process their cognitive and emotional reactions to experiences of racism.

Even though Elle was a high achieving high school student, her realization of the differential treatment of students from different racial backgrounds had a profound impact on her beliefs about her own academic abilities. In this short film, Elle shares how her experiences with institutional, vicarious, and interpersonal racism were internalized and present throughout her time in high school. Elle also shares how her sense of connection to authors of literature on Black experiences helps her cope with racism by validating her experiences and providing a sense of community.  

SPOKEN: A personal account of dealing with racism in school