What is Project THRIVE?
Project THRIVE (Teaching Health empowerment tools to combat Racism via Independent thinking, Values affirmation, and Ethnic Identity) is a digital intervention for adolescents of color living with a chronic health condition. The goal of the program is to help increase ethnic identity.
Project THRIVE is created by and for adolescents. In order to guide the creation of Project THRIVE, we will be recruiting 10 individuals to be a part of the THRIVE Youth Council.
Why did we create Project THRIVE?
When young people are treated differently or poorly because of the color of their skin, we call it "racial discrimination." Experiencing racial discrimination can have negative impacts on your health. For example, if you experienced racial discrimination from your doctor or nurse, you may no longer feel comfortable asking questions about your health condition or communicating if symptoms become concerning. Racial discrimination is wrong and can make it difficult to manage a chronic health condition. Fortunately, ethnic identity, or the connection people have to their identified ethnic group, has been shown to help! We see that people who have a stronger sense of ethnic identity also have a better health outcomes.
What is the THRIVE Youth Council?
In order to guide the creation of Project THRIVE, we will be recruiting 10 individuals to be a part of the THRIVE Youth Council. The THRIVE Youth Council meets for one session that lasts approximately two hours. During this time, we will ask you questions like: "How do you think your ethnic identity is connected to your health?" or "What are some of the things you do to get closer to your ethnic identity?" You will get to provide your feedback on what our research team has developed and even shape new content for Project THRIVE.