How Black Male Occupational Therapy Students Persisted to Degree Attainment: A Narrative Inquiry
How Black Male Occupational Therapy Students Persisted to Degree Attainment: A Narrative Inquiry
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Issue Date
2025-10
Authors
Simpson, Kimberly
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Abstract
College degree attainment is a goal for many students following high school, which can lead to a higher likelihood of employment, higher earnings, and personal satisfaction. However, there are disparities among racial and gender lines for achieving a college degree. There are also racial and gender disparities in representation for healthcare professionals, including occupational therapy practitioners, which has a negative impact on healthcare outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry study was to explore the experiences shared by Black males who achieved a degree in occupational therapy from a predominantly White institution. Harper’s anti-deficit achievement framework for research of color in STEM and Goings’ black male adult learner success theory are used to frame the concept of degree achievement for Black males. Seven Black males who graduated with a degree in occupational therapy shared their stories through a one-on-one Zoom interview. The data were analyzed using narrative analysis. The findings of the study showed how their experiences of the participants viewed through the lens of their past, present, and future, their personal and social conditions, and their description of place, impacted their success as students and professionals in occupational therapy. Narrative threads of resilience, belonging, systems of support, and diversity and representation emerged. The implications for practice impact occupational therapy programs and workplace settings, and calls for the development of targeted strategies to enhance the experiences and successes of Black males in occupational therapy.
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Keywords
Occupational therapy education , Resilience , Black males , Student Success Science