Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)
Abstract
Mental health concerns among children and adolescents continue to represent a significant public health concern, particularly among underserved and minority youth who experience disproportionate exposure to systemic inequities, chronic stressors, and barriers to mental health care. Schools frequently serve as primary points of contact for youth experiencing emotional and behavioral difficulties; however, many settings lack accessible interventions that adequately address both internalizing and externalizing concerns. The purpose of this doctoral project was to develop Thrive Together, a culturally responsive group intervention designed to support middle school students experiencing emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal challenges. The intervention was developed in response to recurring concerns observed among underserved youth in school-based settings, including peer conflict, chronic stress, difficulties coping, and limited access to mental health resources. Thrive Together integrates principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT), and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to promote emotional understanding, adaptive coping, resilience, interpersonal functioning, and supportive peer relationships within a structured group environment. The intervention consists of a twelve-session manualized program incorporating psychoeducation, mindfulness practices, reflective discussion, and experiential activities intended to strengthen coping abilities and social-emotional functioning while maintaining adaptability across youth-serving settings. This project contributes a structured framework intended to support middle school youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Faculty Mentor
Theresa Botts, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Myra Beth Bundy, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Michael McClellan, PhD
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Copyright
2026 Cherish N. Harris
Recommended Citation
Harris, Cherish, "THRIVE TOGETHER: A CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE GROUP INTERVENTION TO SUPPORT EMOTIONAL REGULATION AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AMONG UNDERSERVED MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH" (2026). Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects. 71.
https://encompass.eku.edu/psych_doctorals/71
