Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Community Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Human and Social Sciences

First Advisor

Melody Morton Ninomiya

Advisor Role

Graduate and Dissertation Advising, Supervisor

Abstract

My dissertation includes three manuscripts dedicated to exploring and proposing a liberatory praxis framework for community wellbeing and mental health (CWMH) in Lebanon. CWMH are a major concern in Lebanon due to the increased impact of socio-politico-economic inequalities and instability. In response to the critical need for a CWMH liberatory praxis framework tailored to the specific needs and context of Lebanese communities, I conducted two studies and proposed a framework, with recommendations for implementing the framework

The first study was a rapid review of existing peer-reviewed literature on decolonial and critical CWMH approaches globally (Manuscript I). The second study involved interviews with Indigenous, racialized, and Global South practitioners, scholars, and activists employing liberatory CWMH praxis, such as decolonial and critical, in Lebanon, Palestine, South Africa, India, Australia, Indonesia, and the US (Manuscript II). Together, the two studies shed light on the complexities of addressing CWMH disparities and provide insights for liberatory CWMH praxis.

Manuscript III is informed by the two studies and offers a 1) comprehensive exploration of decolonial theory and liberation psychology; 2) historical contextual analysis of the impact of modernity/coloniality and sectarianism on modern Lebanese subjectivities, epistemologies, and institutions; and 3) actionable recommendations for enhancing community wellbeing and mental health within a liberatory praxis framework in Lebanon. The aim of my research is to create future collaborations between communities and practitioners, scholars, and activists that can lead to meaningful and just changes to improve CWMH for various Lebanese communities.

Convocation Year

2024

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Thursday, August 12, 2027

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