Using the Minority Stress Model to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
NASN 2024 Annual Conference, June 29th Breakout Session 11:00am to 12:15pm
Jennifer Beckwith, LMFT and Vickie Beckwith,MSN, RN, PHN
Health equity, along with a safe and inclusive school environment, go hand in hand with student success and well-being. Since 2016, school-aged youth have shown a decrease in physical activity and utilization of healthcare services while exhibiting an increase in anxiety, depression, and conduct issues. So how do we create an environment to reverse these statistics and improve outcomes for students
Our training will explore solutions through the lens of the Minority Stress Model, taking a look at the unique stressors experienced by those in marginalized groups. We all experience difficulties that take a toll on our physical and mental health, but underrepresented groups face additional challenges as a result of their minority status.
We will explore how social and environmental factors, in addition to personal factors such as internalized stigma, lead to a more hostile day-to-day experience that often results in poor outcomes.
Our goal is to start a community dialogue around solutions that address these underlying factors that can cause exponentially higher stress. We will build on the individual resilience factors our students already possess by using their identities as a strength. As school nurses, you are in a prime position to develop an intentionally inclusive environment in order to boost social resources for schools and students.