Donte Bernard, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri, and his work received noteworthy recognition with a feature in the American Psychological Association Journals Article Spotlight. 

This placement shines a light on articles hand-picked by APA editors for their notable contributions to the field and potential to shape future practices. Bernard’s work is a step toward ensuring that mental health care is responsive and inclusive. 

The study, titled "Racism on the Mind: How Ruminating about Racial Discrimination Influences Anxiety and Depression Among Black Youths," offers insight into the mental health impacts of racism.

Bernard’s team researched how chronic racial discrimination impacts Black youths throughout adolescence, with a focus on how repetitive, negative thoughts about racist encounters can intensify anxiety and depression. The team’s findings bring attention to how age and gender shape these experiences. 

The APA Journals Article Spotlight positions Bernard’s research front and center within the clinical psychology community and underscores the importance of developing interventions that meet real-world mental health needs.