Meredith Hope

I examine how contributions of high-risk contexts are influenced by the presence of cultural institutions and resources in Black youth development. Conceptualizing these resources as change agents that may promote well-being amid on-going adversity, I use historical narratives of Black Americans to explore cultural institutions long salient and foundational to Black resilience. As a part of this line of work, I have become intrigued by the intersections of racial and religious identity, and how those intersections may promote well-being for adolescents and emerging adults in African American and Black immigrant communities.

• Introduction to Psychology
• Psychology of Black Americans
• Psychology of Religion & Spirituality

Selected Publications:

Hope, M.O., & Buhs, E. (2020). Contributions of peer victimization, school attachment,
and religious engagement to early adolescents’ adjustment outcomes. Psychology of Religion & Spirituality, 12(3), 334-344.

Hope, M.O., Taggart, T., Galbraith-Gyan, K.V., & Nyhan, K. (2020). Black Caribbean emerging
adults and religiosity: A systematic review of religious influences on health outcomes. Journal of Religion & Health, 59(1), 431-451.

Hope, M.O., Lee, D.B., Hsieh, H-F., Hurd, N., Sparks, H.L.*, & Zimmerman, M.A. (2019). Violence exposure and sexual risk behavior: Contributions of natural mentorship and religious involvement. American Journal of Community Psychology, 64(1-2), 242-255.

Hope, M.O., Taylor, R.J., Nguyen, A.W., & Chatters, L.M. (2019). Church support among African American and Black Caribbean adolescents. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 28(11), 3037-3050.

Hope, M.O., Assari, S., Cole-Lewis, Y., & Caldwell, C.H. (2017). Religious social support,
discrimination, and psychiatric disorder of Black adolescents. Race & Social Problems, 9(2), 102-114