Research Symposium

BIO

Hometown: Apollo Beach, FL

Career Goals: After completing law school, David Frazier aims to serve as a Judge Advocate General in the Navy. Following his military service, he aspires to become a judge, ultimately working toward his long-term ambition of serving as a Justice on the United States Supreme Court.

Research Interests: David is passionate about legal research, particularly in exploring complex legal questions and driving meaningful change through his work. His current undergraduate research project, titled Examining Hope as a Moderator Between Racial Microaggressions and Anxiety, investigates the role of hope as a moderator in mitigating the psychological impact of racial microaggressions on anxiety. This project combines his interests in social justice and mental health, and he aims to apply the insights gained to his future legal career, where he hopes to address systemic issues and promote equity through legal reforms.

Examining Hope as a Moderator Between Racial Microaggressions and Anxiety

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between racial microaggressions and anxiety levels among Black students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), with hope investigated as a potential moderating factor. The research addresses critical gaps in anxiety research for Black populations, particularly given the increasing prevalence of anxiety disorders and the unique stressors faced by Black college students. Using Racial Battle Fatigue theory and Snyder's Hope Theory as theoretical frameworks, the study employs a correlational cross-sectional design to investigate two primary research questions: (1) whether the frequency of racial microaggressions is associated with anxiety levels in Black college emerging adult students at PWIs, and (2) if hope moderates the relationship between racial microaggressions and anxiety levels. The study controls for ethnicity and first-generation status, as these variables have been shown to interconnect with both racial microaggressions and anxiety in Black populations. This research aims to contribute to the development of culturally tailored interventions and expand the empirical understanding of anxiety in Black college students, addressing a significant gap in mental health literature and practice. The findings have important implications for Health Service Psychology practitioners working with Black college students and could inform more effective, culturally-sensitive treatment approaches.

Keywords: Microaggressions, Anxiety, Psychology, Racial