Date of Award
August 2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Committee Member
Harrison P Pinckney
Committee Member
Corliss Outley
Committee Member
Barry Garst
Committee Member
Edmond Bowers
Abstract
Consumption and circulation of police brutality and the death of persons in the marginalized community present major concerns for the psychological well-being and development of marginalized youth. Contemporary events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have increased both negative media attention and instances of oppression towards AAPI communities. Not all adolescents are directly exposed to traumatic race-related events online; however, many are likely experiencing the direct effects of such incidents. Despite exposure and effects of these events, marginalized adolescents still demonstrate indicators of healthy coping. Indicators of healthy coping present the need to shift research from negative psychological outcomes to healing centered approaches to discover effective interventions for marginalized youth populations. This study explored the radical healing process in the lived experiences and art of marginalized youth participants in the A.R.T. + Circles program. A phenomenological case study methodology was employed for this study to provide a firmer, in-depth understanding of how participants experienced race-related experiences. Participant’s radical healing processes were explored using observations, in-depth interviews, and participant created art. The study found that radical healing was reflected in the lived experiences of adolescents in the A.R.T.+ Circles program through Culture, Agency, Relationships, Meaning, Achievements, and Spiritual development; however, certain lived experiences may inhibit components from being operationalized. Additionally, the study show that communal dialogue, education, and a liberating space were ways that adolescents process race-related experiences and were beneficial features of the A.R.T.+ Circles program. Findings from this study are important in helping practitioners find more effective pathways to positive youth development for marginalized communities. Future research is encouraged to further unpack the ways radical healing is operationalized in the lived experiences of marginalized youth.
Recommended Citation
Alexander, Anitra R., "Artistically Reshaping Trauma: An Exploration of Radical Healing in the Lived Experiences and Art of Marginalized Youth" (2021). All Theses. 3588.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/3588