Despite the global figures on male HIV infection rates, and the vulnerability of men to HIV as a result of social constructions of masculinity, not enough attention has been paid to the seriousness of the problem of HIV in heterosexual men. Most research has concentrated on either homosexual or bisexual men, neglecting the experiences of heterosexual men diagnosed as HIV positive, and the implications thereof. This study aims to explore the lived experiences (emotional, cognitive and social) of black heterosexual males who are living with HIV. The focus of this study was thus on the subjective experiences and circumstances of these men, to enhance understanding of how they managed to adapt to the stress of being HIV positive. Health professionals, such as nurses, psychologists and doctors at Tshwane District Hospital, can use the results of the study to assist men when they are diagnosed, and to help them cope effectively with their subsequent challenges. The study used the phenomenological theoretical framework. It explored the lived experiences of being HIV positive through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed . Non-probability sampling was used to identify the 5 participants in this study. Data was analysed in terms of thematic analysis and 15 themes were derived from the analysis and described using quotations from the raw data. These themes were then contextualised and explored with relevant literature. The research found that these men initially struggled to adapt to their HIV-positive status and exhibited denial, fear and loss, complicated by the sense that their masculinity was compromised. While there was some evidence of limited internal and external stigma, the men were able to find support from partners, family and friends, and were able to rise to the challenge of 'living positively'. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Psychology / unrestricted

Researchers have found that African American men have a history of difficulty in maintaining family cohesion. Researchers have also found that, in comparison to European American men, African American men are more likely to populate the penal systems, are more abusive to their partners, are less supportive of their children, and are less likely to have stable cohesive relationships. Evidence suggests that African American men draw strength from spirituality and hope, which are the core values of their culture. Drawing from these previous findings, as well as the stages of faith theory, hope theory, and the circumflex model of marital and family systems, this quantitative, non-experimental study examined the roles of spirituality and hope on family cohesion among African American men. The INSPIRIT, the hope scale, and the family cohesion scale were administered to 110 African American men. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hope mediated a significant relationship between spirituality and family cohesion (p < .05). These findings may inform family-centered programs that facilitate cohesion.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The Loving Neighborhood was a very active ecosystem consisting of four communities (Capella, Carson, Midtown, and Summerville) that came together to form one larger community. Although the four neighborhoods’ ethnic makeup was about 30% Black, 30% Latino, and 30% White, the Carson community was predominantly Black. The Carson neighborhood had a very vibrant neighborhood association in which there were four adult Black males who actively participated in Carson’s economic and community development efforts. These men consistently attended neighborhood meetings, volunteered on community action committees, held community leadership positions, and participated regularly in local events. In order to understand the work of adult Black males who were seeking to improve the quality of life in a specific community context, this research sheds light on the “voices” of these four adult Black males as they attempted to foster neighborhood transformation by becoming more active in an Black urban community. It is imperative that the shared meanings of Black men be understood within the ecosystems in which they existed, emphasizing the importance of their conversations that addressed the needs of their communities. While previous research studies have explored adult learning and community engagement separately, these studies have failed to address how Black males could have helped Black communities in grassroots development efforts. Studies that have addressed these intersections could have provided valuable insight into why Black men became active in their communities, what they might have learned because of their community activism, how they remained motivated, and what skills they would have needed in order to effectively engage underserved neighborhoods. In response to this deficiency, this inquiry employed a critical approach to explore the importance of the unique voices of these four Black men as they participated in the transformation of their neighborhoods.

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Literature indicates that while attending a predominantly White institution (PWI), Black men often experience stigmatization and feelings of alienation. Despite concerns of racial tension experienced by Black men at PWIs there is limited research exploring the campus climate perceptions of Black men in college. While Black students may have some similarities in navigating predominantly White campuses, there are relevant differences influenced by the intersection of race and gender. The post-secondary success of Black men has been identified as an area of concern in higher education due to the considerable disparities seen in college persistence and completion rates. However, discourse often focuses on perceived deficits of Black men in college instead of understanding how institutions can better support their success. There is a need to shift the conversation to explore how institutional climate plays a role in the experiences and outcomes of Black men. Research suggests that developing a sense of belonging is influenced by context and environment and can be challenging, but impactful for Black men. The current study seeks to understand the role that perceived campus climate plays in the development of sense of belonging for Black undergraduate men attending a PWI. The guiding research questions were: (1) What are the perceptions of campus climate for undergraduate Black men who attend a predominantly White institution? (2) How does the intersection of racial and gender identity influence the campus climate perceptions of undergraduate Black men? (3) How do the perceptions of campus climate influence the sense of belonging for undergraduate Black men? This qualitative study used various data collection methods including interviews, photovoice, and focus groups to gain an in-depth understanding of participants perceptions and experiences. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this analysis offers insights and makes meaning of 12 Black men’s lived experiences and perceptions of their campus belonging while attending a PWI. Eight themes emerged in response to the study research questions. The findings suggest that the campus climate perceptions of Black men are related to the intersection of their race and gender. Additionally, there were salient factors of campus climate that influenced the sense of belonging for participants in the study such as the absence/presence of Black peers and faculty/staff and supportive spaces of cultural familiarity. The findings of this study could have great implications for the future success of Black men as higher education institutions are confronted with declining enrollment and continued disparities in college persistence and graduation rates for their Black male students. / Educational Administration

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Grand Tour Question Ø What are the impacts of miscarriage on African American men? Pettie Tour Question Ø What are African American malesʼ most effective means of dealing with and healing after experiencing a miscarriage? Purpose of the Study Ø To investigate the effects and perceptions of miscarriages in the African American community from the male perspective. Ø In 2008, my wife and I lost our first child that we were expecting. This experience revealed the degree to which social stigma and gender specific traditions inhibit disclosure, healthy discourse and closure concerning reproductive loss. I plan to utilize historical, social, spiritual and scientific tools to construct a relevant and helpful resource for Black men coping with such a profound loss. Data Collection Ø I utilized the extensive resources available in the Social Science Data Library and Paley Library of Temple University. Implications for Future Study Ø The research presented provides a platform to test the “Dual construction” method introduced. Testimonials can be compiled through interviews of African American men who have experienced reproductive loss. These recounts could be recorded for a possible documentary on the subject that could exponentially expand the discourse among African American men and the pain and pressures that they may share. An organization specifically geared towards the needs of African American men as revealed through the findings of this thesis. Conclusions Ø The therapeutic truth of candid communication is a much-needed component in the effort to advance the dialogue about miscarriage among African American men. The Dual Construction Method of learning more about the self in order to help rebuild it after traumatic events is a strategy conceived with the needs of African American men in mind. The intellectual, cultural and testimonial fortification that the Dual Construction Method can provide is a foundation that can expand the discourse about miscarriage exponentially. The lost seeds of human procreation must be watered with waves of relevant empowering information as old as the Nile River in order to properly grow and/or be grieved. / African American Studies

The dilemma of making education an equitable system, especially for minoritized groups, has persisted for centuries. While there have been efforts aimed at decreasing disparities, there is still more work that needs to be done. An often-overlooked population in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is Black men—a group at the nexus of being a gender majority and racial minority. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory research study is to understand how Black men experience interpersonal relationships in undergraduate engineering programs. The overarching research question that guides this study is: What are the qualitatively different aspects of interpersonal relationships experienced by Black men in undergraduate engineering programs? Using Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory as a lens and a quasi-phenomenography methodology to understand the variance of the students' relationships, I conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with students who identified as a Black man and were a second-year or higher in their undergraduate engineering program. By examining interpersonal relationships, I clarify the meaningfulness of relationships at one historically Black college and university (N=1) and two historically white institutions (N=13). A total of seven relationship types and ten different ways students described their relationships were identified in the data. Each of the ways students described their relationship was organized on the emergent domains of academic, emotional/mental, financial, professional, social, and spiritual. Students also mentioned five environmental influences that impacted their experiences in engineering. My results indicate that students find value in relationships with people who were relatable, people who could provide insight or knowledge, and people who showed a sense of care or concern for the student. Students also mentioned how environmental influences bear significance on their over experience in engineering. The present study lays the groundwork for holistically examining the interpersonal relationships of Black men in undergraduate engineering programs. / Doctor of Philosophy / For decades, Black men have experienced educational hardships from as early as first grade. While many researchers have identified areas to improve the educational experience for Black men, few have looked at the educational experience of Black men in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). My research adds to the current conversations surrounding Black men in undergraduate engineering programs by looking at how relationships impact their educational experiences. I conducted a research study with 14 Black men in undergraduate engineering programs at two historically white institutions (N=13) and one historically Black university (N=1). I asked Black men about the types of relationships they had and why those relationships were meaningful to them. I also asked the students if there were outside influences such as stereotypes held by society that might impact how they look at their relationships. The students primarily discussed relationships with their STEM peers and professors. Relationships that were more meaningful for students were with people who were relatable, people who could provide insight or knowledge, and people who showed a sense of care or concern for the student. Outside influences that impacted students' relationships were their academic major, the type of institution they attended, their gender, their race/ethnicity, and National events. These findings contribute in several ways to our understanding of the value of relationships and provide a basis for future research involving Black men in STEM.

Approximately half of all incarcerated individuals in the United States are young African American men. Researchers have documented that nonincarcerated siblings may commit a crime when their sibling is in prison. The current study addressed literature regarding the experiences, and coping strategies of nonincarcerated young African American men who live in the inner city, and have a male sibling in prison. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, this interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study explored the lived experiences and coping strategies of African American male youth with a brother in incarceration. Purposive sampling was used to select 3 nonincarcerated African American young men aged 18 to 24 years living in the inner city of a large city in southern Connecticut for in-depth interviews. Overall findings showed that while having an incarcerated sibling was a profoundly negative experience for study participants, and their families, the study participants also developed some positive coping strategies as a result of their experiences. These results could help policymakers, social workers, counselors, and criminal justice professionals understand the impacts of sibling incarceration, and learn how to deal more effectively with youth affected by it. .