Fostering Wellbeing in Racialized Mentoring Environments

You can enter the online platform for this event HERE!

NOTE: Passwords for events will be sent via email to all registered INM attendees each morning of the meeting.

Abstract

Graduate students struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression at higher rates than the general population, and graduate students of color are exposed to additional risks due to direct experiences with racism in the research environment, effects of vicarious racism, and pressures to assimilate to historically white disciplines. While some stress and uncertainty is unavoidable in graduate training, research mentors have a direct impact on the wellbeing of members of their research group. By fostering an environment that supports wellbeing of diverse students, mentors can positively impact mentees’ sense of autonomy, competence, personal growth, and belonging. Developing the skills to recognize and have open conversations about the often stigmatized topics of mental health, wellbeing, and racism is key to this process, as is the ability to proactively affirm and engage students’ cultures in research contexts.

NOTE: The maximum capacity for this workshop will be capped at 40 participants. The first 40 attendees to enter the waiting room will be admitted to the session.