A Journey into Sports Psychiatry
Dr. Charles Malveaux’s journey into sports psychiatry began with her interest in the intersection of psychology and sports. Growing up, she was an avid athlete and understood the mental and emotional demands of competition. This early exposure sparked her curiosity about how athletes cope with pressure, stress, and performance anxiety.
The Intersection of Psychology and Sports
As a medical doctor with a background in psychology, Dr. Malveaux recognized the unique challenges faced by athletes. She pursued further education in sports psychiatry, earning her Master’s degree in psychology and her medical degree. Her approach to treating athletes differs from treating patients who are not athletes, as she acknowledges the distinct psychological and physiological factors at play.
Key Differences in Treatment Approach
The Historical Context of Racism in Psychiatry
The history of psychiatry is marked by a lack of diversity and representation of marginalized groups, including Black individuals. This lack of representation has led to a lack of understanding and empathy towards the experiences of Black patients. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has acknowledged this issue, stating that “the lack of diversity in the psychiatric workforce has resulted in a lack of understanding and empathy for the experiences of minority patients.”
The American Psychological Association (APA) has recognized the importance of culturally sensitive psychological interventions. The APA has also acknowledged the need for more research on culturally sensitive interventions for diverse populations.
The Historical Context of Racial Disparities in Healthcare
The mistrust in the healthcare system among the Black community in the US is deeply rooted in the country’s history. The legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism has led to a profound distrust of institutions that have historically been used to oppress and marginalize Black people. This mistrust has been perpetuated through various means, including the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, the Willowbrook Hepatitis Experiment, and the Tuscon Study, among others. These studies involved the exploitation of Black participants, often without their informed consent, and were used to further scientific knowledge without regard for their well-being. The lack of trust in the healthcare system has led to a reluctance to seek medical care, which has resulted in poorer health outcomes for Black Americans compared to their white counterparts.*
The Growing Body of Research on CBT for Racially Diverse Populations
Despite the historical mistrust, there is growing research on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for racially diverse populations. Studies have shown that CBT can be an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2019 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that CBT was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in Black Americans.
Racism is not about hate, but about ignorance and internalized biases.
Beck asks if clinicians can be racist. Steele responds that clinicians can be racist, but it is not a matter of being racist. Rather, it is a matter of being unaware of one’s own biases and privilege.
Understanding Internalized Racism
Internalized racism is a complex and deeply ingrained phenomenon that affects individuals from marginalized communities. It is characterized by the internalization of negative stereotypes and biases, which can lead to self-hatred, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence. This phenomenon is often perpetuated by societal norms, media representation, and cultural narratives that reinforce racist ideologies.
The Impact of Internalized Racism
Internalized racism can have severe consequences on an individual’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Some of the effects include: