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Article
Hidden Identity: A Constructivist Grounded Theory of Black Male Identity Development at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The Qualitative Report
  • Therron Rogers, Ph.D., Rush Medical College
  • Donald Mitchell, Jr., Ph.D., Molloy University
Author Type
Executive
Publication Date
10-14-2022
Document Type
Article
Abstract

Identity development models for Black males are limited, particularly within the context of higher education. Within this qualitative study, we used constructivist grounded theory to develop a theory of Black male identity development at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We were guided by the following research questions: (1) How do the experiences at a historically Black college or university influence the identity development for Black males? (2) What externalfactors influence identity development for Black males who attend a historically Black college or university? Eight Black males participated in this study, each completing series of semistructured interviews. Derived from the interviews, a four-phase identity development theory emerged. The four phases of Black male identity development at HBCUs are: (1) acknowledgment of Black male identity, (2) understanding of differences among Black males, (3) creation of professional identity, and (4) transition into Black male role model. Our theory highlights how HBCUs offer unique spaces for Black male identity development that continues through adulthood. We close with recommendations for practice and future research.

DOI
10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5718
Journal Title
The Qualitative Report
Volume (Issue)
27(10)
Journal ISSN
1052-0147 or 2160-3715
Comments

Original article can be found at https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol27/iss10/12/

Document Version
Publisher's PDF
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International
Citation Information
Recommended APA Citation Rogers, T., & Mitchell, D. (2022). Hidden Identity: A Constructivist Grounded Theory of Black Male Identity Development at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Qualitative Report, 27(10), 2251-2277. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5718