Episode
In this episode, Dr. Thelamour discusses the intricate journey of acculturation among Black immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She brings a multicultural lens to her research, focusing on the experiences of Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries as they navigate their adjustment to Black American culture. Through engaging discussion, listeners will gain insights into how cultural dynamics shape the lives of immigrants and students of color. This thoughtful conversation considers consequences of the 2025 immigration changes occurring within the United States. Cultural Humility implications for students, clinical counselors, counselor educators, and school counselors are discussed.
Guest
Barbara Thelamour is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA. She received her PhD in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Emory University. Her research is grounded in educational psychology and human development with a multicultural lens. Within these related areas, she first focuses on the acculturation processes of immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She examines the experiences of multiple racial/ethnic groups, with a specific focus on Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries and their adjustment to Black American culture (among other cultural groups). She emphasizes identity development as a key acculturation process while also examining the interplay between identity and educational experiences and outcomes of immigrants and other students of color. Across these research endeavors, she has highlighted how relationships with others, particularly parents and peers, and school environments facilitate or hinder acculturation, identity development, and learning outcomes.
Barbara Thelamour is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA. She received her PhD in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Emory University. Her research is grounded in educational psychology and human development with a multicultural lens. Within these related areas, she first focuses on the acculturation processes of immigrant adolescents and emerging adults. She examines the experiences of multiple racial/ethnic groups, with a specific focus on Black immigrants from African and Caribbean countries and their adjustment to Black American culture (among other cultural groups). She emphasizes identity development as a key acculturation process while also examining the interplay between identity and educational experiences and outcomes of immigrants and other students of color. Across these research endeavors, she has highlighted how relationships with others, particularly parents and peers, and school environments facilitate or hinder acculturation, identity development, and learning outcomes.
Resources
Transcript
Citation
Daniel, D. (Producer). (2025, February 24). Bridging Cultures: Black Immigrants and Cultural Integration (No.290) [Audio Podcast]. The Thoughtful Counselor. Retrieved from https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast/bridging-cultures-black-immigrants-and-cultural-integration
