Centering Black Joy and the Pursuit of Purpose: A Restorative Justice Response to the Disproportionate Channeling of Black Youth through the School-to-Prison Pipeline

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Two
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT024 (Thursday)

Abstract

This dissertation examines how psychosocially toxic environments (PTEs) influence self-actualization and risky behavior among Black youth, with implications for the school-to-prison pipeline. Rooted in Maslow’s theory of self-actualization, the study explores how systemic racism and limited resources disrupt childhood aspirations while highlighting the protective role of Black Joy, defined as positive nourishment within safe, healing spaces. Using IRB-approved snowball sampling, surveys will be administered to Black emerging adults (ages 18–25) in Baltimore, Maryland. Measures include the Community Violence Scale, Short Index of Self-Actualization, and RISQ. To assess Black Joy exposure, this researcher is developing the Black Joy Scale, a psychometric tool capturing cultural, environmental, and socioemotional connections to positive Black experiences.

Author

• Elle Butler, Howard University