An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the educational experiences of mixed white and black Caribbean secondary school pupils with social, emotional, mental health needs.

Holden, Stephanie Leanne (2023). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the educational experiences of mixed white and black Caribbean secondary school pupils with social, emotional, mental health needs. University of Birmingham. Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

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Abstract

This study explored the school experiences of mixed white/black Caribbean (MWBC) secondary aged pupils identified with social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) needs. Research has indicated that MWBC pupils are over-represented in the SEMH area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) (Strand & Lindorff, 2018), as well as being amongst the lowest attaining ethnic group (Strand, 2021). Despite this, there is still relatively little research which explores the school experiences of MWBC pupils (Lewis & Demie, 2019) and none which focuses on this group in relation to SEMH needs. The research took a phenomenological approach, namely Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the school experiences of MWBC pupils’, including their experiences linked to their SEMH needs, how their experiences influenced their identity and what factors were enabling and disabling in terms of their educational outcomes. Semi-structured interview data of a small sample of four participants was analysed using IPA to abstract four Group Experiential Themes: ‘Understanding SEMH needs’, ‘Influence of Relationships’, ‘Contexts for Learning’ and ‘Multiple Layers of Identity’. These findings were examined in relation to existing literature and the research questions. A critique of the research including strengths and limitations was presented, and the findings were considered in relation to implications for the practice of educational professionals and educational psychologists. Finally, directions for future research were discussed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ap.Ed.&ChildPsy.D.

Supervisor(s):