We Are Family: How Othermothering and Support Systems Can Improve Mental Health Outcomes among African American Males at HBCUs

Abstract

HBCUs continue to play a pivotal role educating students from underserved communities. Although some HBCUs struggle with high attrition rates, they enroll low-income, first-generation African American male students. However, HBCUs must focus on the mental health needs of African American men. Disproportionately African American men are exposed to traumatic experiences that impact their academic performance and socio-emotional functioning. Unfortunately, in comparison to other subgroups, African American men are hesitant to seek support because of stigmas and misconceptions associated with mental illness. Changing the narrative regarding mental illness is important. HBCUs are uniquely suited to increase the self-help behaviors of African American men because of othermothering and support systems. Thus, the purpose of this article is to explore how othermothering and tenets including religiosity/spirituality, culture awareness, and equilibrium change can increase the self-help behaviors and academic performance of African American males at HBCUs.