Eleanor K. Seaton

Amid growing concerns over the well-being of Black students, researchers, practitioners, and educators are recognising the positive, affirming connections Black students make within the very enviro...

Racial discrimination experiences (RDEs) are pervasive and prevalent stressors for Black Americans, which occur on a daily basis and are linked with a variety of negative mental health outcomes. This study examines the impact of an individual's daily average (e.g., between-person) and daily fluctuations (e.g., within-person) of RDEs on daily depressive symptoms among 231 Black American adolescents and adults. Reporting higher levels and more fluctuations in daily RDEs was linked with increased depressive symptoms. The impact of daily fluctuations was stronger among Black American adults compared to adolescents. RDEs occur on a daily basis and are harmful for the mental health of Black American adolescents and adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Scholars acknowledge the significant role of puberty in the risks for adverse outcomes. However, we lack understanding of the relevant social and structural factors at play. Current theoretical approaches to research on puberty were posited based on the experiences of White, middle-class girls who developed early or late, disregarding the interplay among cultural, societal, and individual factors that shape perceptions of pubescent children and their experiences. The limited focus on timing effects has failed to generate comprehensive knowledge of broader pubertal experiences. In this article, we argue that intersectional understanding can overcome current deficiencies in research on puberty. We critique the predominant theoretical approaches in pubertal research, provide an overview of the intersectionality framework, and elucidate how intersectionality can be incorporated into puberty research. We conclude with recommendations for research. In so doing, we hope the intersectionality framework allows scholars of puberty to rethink how pubertal effects are examined.

The current study examines whether ethnic-racial identity and racial discrimination experiences predict strong support of the Black Lives Matter movement among a representative sample of Black American youth. The 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey (CMPS) examined attitudes about the 2016 United States election, immigration, policing, racial equality, and racial discrimination among Asian American, Black American, Latinx, and White adults. The current study used the Black American youth sample, which included 225 individuals (73 percent female) between 18 and 20 years of age. We conducted logistic regression analysis to assess the associations of ethnic-racial identity and racial discrimination experiences with strong support of Black Lives Matter. The results indicated that positive views of one’s ethnic-racial group and belief in anti-Black bias were associated with strong support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Yet, racial discrimination experiences were not associated with strong support for Black Lives Matter once ethnic-racial identity was accounted for.

Robert M. Sellers, PhD, most known for his influential and highly cited Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI), is one of the most prolific and foundational Black scholars in psychology. From racial identity theory development and measurement to conceptual and methodological innovations in studying the lived experiences of Black people, Sellers' scholarship centers on the lives of Black communities. Sellers' mentorship and contributions to the professional development of scholars and professionals of color have supported and catalyzed new intergenerational knowledge building by these scholars, ensuring a perpetuating and far-reaching legacy in psychology. In this article, we: (a) celebrate Sellers' enduring contribution to the racial identity literature and its profound impact on psychology as a discipline as well as numerous subfields of psychology, (b) outline his contributions to the racial socialization literature, (c) describe methodological innovations in racial identity and racial socialization research advanced through his scholarship, and (d) summarize his contributions in professional development and mentorship and his leadership roles. Sellers' scholarly contributions and mentorship have transformed the discipline of psychology and the social sciences broadly speaking, making him one of the most influential psychologists in the modern era. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

This exploratory study examined the relation between pubertal timing and dimensions of ethnic-racial identity among adopted Korean Americans raised transracially in White families. The study also examined whether internalized racism moderated the association between pubertal timing and ethnic-racial identity. Adopted Korean American adolescents (N = 202; 108 females; ages 13–19 years) completed measures of pubertal development, ethnic-racial identity, and internalized racism in 2007. There was no significant main effect of pubertal timing for either male or female adolescents. Internalized racism moderated the relation between pubertal timing and ethnic-racial identity clarity (B = −.16, p = .015) among male adolescents. Specifically, earlier pubertal timing was significantly associated with lower ethnic-racial identity clarity for male adolescents with higher levels of internalized racism.

College is a context in which Black adults are at heightened risk for substance use behaviors and subsequently more harmful consequences. Increasingly, scholars are recognizing that to better understand shifts in patterns of substance use behaviors and health disparities among Black adults, mental health and racism are important factors to consider. Racism is multidimensional; thus, research is needed to investigate its multiple forms. Currently, it is unknown how the occurrence of depressive symptoms and various racism experiences influence patterns of substance use behaviors among Black college students. Further, while school belonging is evidenced to promote better health outcomes during adolescence, research is needed to understand school belonging in relation to substance use among Black college students. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identify patterns of substance use behaviors among Black college students (N = 152) and examine whether depressive symptoms, racism experiences (i.e., racial discrimination stress, internalized racism, negative police encounters), and school belonging are associated with the unique patterns. Latent profiles included indicators of substance use behavior frequency. Four patterns emerged: 1) low substance use, 2) predominant alcohol use, 3) co-use, 4) high polysubstance use. Depressive symptoms, internalized racism, and negative police encounters were significant correlates of patterns of substance use behaviors. School belonging, specifically, participation in student, cultural, spiritual, and Greek organizations, was also associated with profile membership. Findings suggest a need to integrate a broader understanding of how mental health and racism impacts the lives of Black college students, in addition to processes for supporting school belonging.

This exploratory study examined the relation between pubertal timing and dimensions of ethnic-racial identity among adopted Korean Americans raised transracially in White families. The study also examined whether internalized racism moderated the association between pubertal timing and ethnic-racial identity. Adopted Korean American adolescents (N = 202; 108 females; ages 13-19 years) completed measures of pubertal development, ethnic-racial identity, and internalized racism in 2007. There was no significant main effect of pubertal timing for either male or female adolescents. Internalized racism moderated the relation between pubertal timing and ethnic-racial identity clarity (B = -.16, p = .015) among male adolescents. Specifically, earlier pubertal timing was significantly associated with lower ethnic-racial identity clarity for male adolescents with higher levels of internalized racism.

Between 12% and 28% of young people will experience a major depressive disorder during the adolescent years, and an additional 26% will experience subclinical levels of depressive symptoms (Lu, 201...