Date of Award

6-2-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Tiffany Williams

Abstract

[ABSTRACT] The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the ways in which Black men perceive connection and enact disconnection in their relationships. This study utilized relational cultural theory (Jordan, 2010, 2018) as an interpretive framework to explore and understand Black men’s relational development with special attention on connection and disconnection. Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) posits that sociocultural factors contribute to relational development, patterns, and images, which impact Black men’s capacity to connect with others. The most salient sociocultural factors that contribute to Black men’s relational experiences include racial socialization, myths about Black men, shame and societal pressure, and psychological safety. This study utilized a phenomenological research design to explore Black men’s relationship experiences with the research questions: How do Black men experience connection in their relationships? What factors drive disconnection in Black men’s relationships? Black men are increasingly vulnerable due to systemic oppression; utilizing RCT as the lens to understand Black men’s relational experiences allows therapist to address the mental health disparity that exists in this marginalized community while also enacting the social justice and multicultural principles that the counseling psychology field is rooted it. Thematic analysis unveiled seven major themes and fifteen subthemes. Implications for social change, future research, and clinical practice are provided.

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