About

Megan Durkee is the director of student affairs at the University of Virginia School of Law. Prior to this role, she worked for the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Norfolk, Virginia, as an assistant federal public defender, and as a research and writing specialist. She also clerked for U.S. Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen for the Eastern District of Virginia. Before attending law school, she taught science at an alternative high school in Philadelphia as a Teach For America corps member.

Research topics

• Psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Medicine

Selected publications

• Developmental assets and mental health among black sexual minority male adolescents: A dominance analysis of depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors

  Journal of Research on Adolescence · 2026-04-19

  articleOpen access

  This study examined associations between developmental assets and mental health outcomes among Black sexual minority male (BSMM) adolescents aged 14-17 in the Midwestern United States. Data were collected through an online survey of 383 participants. Dominance analysis was employed to evaluate the relative contributions of multiple developmental assets, including positive identity, social competencies, family support, positive values, and mattering and belonging, as well as depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Results indicated that positive identity demonstrated the strongest relative contribution to both depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Social competencies and family support also contributed meaningfully to variation in suicidal behaviors, whereas mattering and belonging and positive values showed minor but notable contributions to depressive symptoms. Correlation analyses indicated that higher levels of positive identity, social competencies, and family support were associated with lower depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors. Covariate-adjusted regression models further indicated that positive identity and mattering and belonging remained significantly associated with suicidal behaviors, whereas positive identity and food insecurity were associated with depressive symptoms. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of both relational and identity-based developmental assets in promoting mental health among BSMM adolescents. Identifying which assets demonstrate the greatest relative importance provides insights for developing culturally responsive, strengths-based interventions aimed at reducing suicide risk and improving mental health outcomes among BSMM youth.

  PublisherDOI

• Unraveling the threads of trauma: how adverse childhood experiences shape suicidal behaviors and help-seeking attitudes in black young adults

  BMC Public Health · 2025-10-31

  articleOpen access

  Suicide rates among Black young adults have significantly increased over the past two decades, presenting a critical public health issue. Although research indicates the association of positive mental health attitudes with better outcomes, limited attention has been paid to the structural and cultural factors that influence suicidal behaviors and help-seeking attitudes in this demographic. Guided by intersectionality and trauma-informed frameworks, this study examines how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), age, and suicidal behaviors interact to influence mental health help-seeking attitudes among Black young adults. We recognize that these outcomes are shaped by interlocking systems of oppression, including racism, ageism, and historical mistrust of mental health institutions. The sample consisted of 359 Black young adults aged 18 to 24 (M = 21; SD = 1.90), recruited through Qualtrics panels (a pre-recruited group of individuals who have agreed to participate in surveys) in the Midwestern United States from February 1, 2023, to April 1, 2023. Using path analysis, our study results indicated that ACE scores had a significant and positive direct relationship with suicidal ideation (β = 0.29, p < .001) and suicide planning (β = 0.30, p < .001). Additionally, there was a significant indirect association with suicide attempts (β = 0.04, p < .001). Further, suicide attempts negatively impacted attitudes toward seeking mental health help (β = -0.14, p < .01). Suicidal ideation and planning also had significant negative indirect associations with these attitudes (β = -0.05, p = .01; β = -0.08, p = .01). These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally grounded and structurally responsive suicide prevention and intervention strategies that reflect the lived experiences of Black young adults. By addressing the unique interplay of trauma, identity, and systemic inequity, we can enhance mental health support and overall well-being for this population.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Authenticity, Racial Discrimination, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation Among Young Black Men, United States, 2024

  American Journal of Public Health · 2025-08-06 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objectives. To examine how perceived authenticity may buffer the impact of racial discrimination on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young Black/African American men. Methods. In 2024, we collected data online in the United States using Qualtrics. Participants were 350 Black men aged 18 to 24 years (mean = 21.49; SD = 1.96), most of whom identified as heterosexual or straight and had completed a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. We measured suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, racial discrimination, and perceived authenticity through self-report questionnaires. Results. Authenticity reduced suicidal ideation (b = −0.24; P &lt; .001) and depressive symptoms (b = –0.22; P &lt; .001). An interaction effect emerged for suicidal ideation (b = −0.09; P = .045) but not depressive symptoms (b = 0.02; P = .58). Conclusions. Perceived authenticity served as a protective factor for young Black men. Public Health Implications. Practitioners may consider incorporating strategies to enhance perceived authenticity as part of interventions aimed at improving men’s mental health. ( Am J Public Health. 2025;115(9):1417–1425. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308148 )

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Impostor phenomenon among Black undergraduates: Contributions of microaggressions, gender, and school belonging.

  Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology · 2024-07-08 · 2 citations

  articleSenior author

  OBJECTIVES: Racial microaggressions at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) are a major concern for Black undergraduates because these experiences evoke feelings of "otherness" and may contribute to growing impostor phenomenon beliefs (IP)-feelings of intellectual fraudulence where people question their academic abilities. School belonging (i.e., a sense of connection to one's academic institution) may be an important mediating factor that explains how racial microaggressions contribute to greater IP over time. Furthermore, these effects may be distinct for Black men and women, given their unique experiences at PWIs. METHOD: = 2.36, 72% female) over a full academic year at a PWI. RESULTS: Findings indicate that racial microaggressions indirectly predicted increased IP over a 1-year period through a negative association with schools belonging to Black men but not for Black women. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of gender and school belonging when examining how racial stressors contribute to changes in IP beliefs. Implications for theory and policy recommendations for educators and stakeholders are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

  PublisherDOI

• Guidance on Conversations About Race and Racism in Pediatric Clinical Settings

  PEDIATRICS · 2024-06-21 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVE: To develop guidance for pediatric clinicians on how to discuss race and racism in pediatric clinical settings. METHODS: We conducted a modified Delphi study from 2021 to 2022 with a panel of pediatric clinicians, psychologists, parents, and adolescents with expertise in racism and child health through scholarship or lived experience. Panelists responded to an initial survey with open-ended questions about how to talk to youth about race and racism. We coded the responses using qualitative methods and presented them back to the panelists. In iterative surveys, panelists reached a consensus on which themes were most important for the conversation. RESULTS: A total of 29 of 33 panelists completed the surveys and a consensus was reached about the concepts pediatric clinicians should consider before, during, and after conversations about race and racism and impediments clinicians may face while having these discussions. Panelists agreed that it was within the pediatric clinician's role to have these conversations. An overarching theme was the importance of having background knowledge about the systemic nature of racism. Panelists agreed that being active listeners, learning from patients, and addressing intersectionality were important for pediatric clinicians during conversations. Panelists also agreed that short- and long-term benefits may result from these conversations; however, harm could be done if pediatric clinicians do not have adequate training to conduct the conversations. CONCLUSIONS: These principles can help guide conversations about race and racism in the pediatric clinical setting, equipping clinicians with tools to offer care that acknowledges and addresses the racism many of their patients face.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Perceived discrimination, mental health help-seeking attitudes, and suicide ideation, planning, and attempts among black young adults

  BMC Public Health · 2024-07-29 · 14 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Developing an understanding of the negative impact of discrimination is critical when examining the suicidality of Black young adults in the US. Suicide rates among Black young adults have increased at alarming rates. One of the reasons for this increase is the disparities related to access to mental health services, which has long-term health consequences. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining associations between experiences of everyday discrimination, attitudes towards mental health help-seeking attitudes, on the outcomes suicide ideation, planning to die by suicide, and suicide attempts. METHODS: The data came from a national study of the experiences of Black young adults regarding mental, physical, and sexual health. Participants were recruited from across the Midwestern region of the United States through Qualtrics Panels, an online survey delivery service used to recruit study participants. The total sample for this study was N = 362, and the average age of the sample was 21 (SD: 1.96). We used a logistic regression analysis to examine the role of everyday discrimination, mental health support-seeking attitudes, and covariates on the outcomes: suicide ideation, planning to die by committing suicide, and suicide attempts. RESULTS: Black young adults with positive mental health help-seeking attitudes were 34% less likely to attempt suicide (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) and 35% less likely to experience suicide ideation (OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89). However, those young adults who experienced discrimination daily were more likely to report having attempted suicide (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.15). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings offer valuable insights into the complex interplay between experiences of discrimination, attitudes toward seeking mental health support, and suicidal behaviors. However, our research also underscores how experiences of discrimination can significantly exacerbate feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and inadequacy, further contributing to suicidal behaviors in this population. By promoting positive mental health help-seeking behaviors, actively addressing discrimination, and applying an intersectional approach to suicide prevention efforts, we can take significant strides towards building a more supportive and inclusive society. This approach aims to empower individuals to seek help, reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors, and create a more welcoming environment for all members of our community.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Internalizing the model minority myth: Dangers for Asian American mental health and attitudes towards other minorities

  Social and Personality Psychology Compass · 2024-05-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract The model minority myth (MMM) falsely portrays Asian Americans as the “model minority” racial group in the United States due to their perceived educational and professional success. The MMM also paints an overly positive picture of the Asian American experience by ascribing primarily positive racial stereotypes to this group and blatantly disregarding the social adversity they continue to face as a racially marginalized population in the U.S. Research has demonstrated that even positive racial stereotypes can cause psychological harm due to heightened pressure to achieve unrealistic expectations. However, less is known about the psychological process of how Asian Americans internalize the stereotypes associated with the MMM. This article seeks to fill this gap by providing a review of the existing research regarding the internalization of the MMM among Asian Americans. Further, this article contributes to the literature by specifying how MMM internalization (a) impacts the way that Asian Americans view themselves, (b) influences mental health outcomes among Asian Americans, and (c) impacts the attitudes that Asian Americans form about other racial minority groups in the U.S. This article highlights several key gaps in the existing literature that should be addressed in future research and provides strategic policy recommendations for practitioners who seek to reduce psychological consequences resulting from internalizing stereotypes that portray Asian Americans as a “model minority”.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Critical Action and Ethnic–Racial Identity: Tools of Racial Resistance at the College Transition

  Journal of Research on Adolescence · 2022-08-01 · 16 citations

  articleOpen access

  This study examines the reciprocal relationship between critical action and ethnic–racial identity (ERI) exploration in Black college students using a longitudinal cross‐lagged model. Participants were Black students ( N = 237; M age = 18.2; 74% female) from a longitudinal study of college transition. Analyses examined the temporal ordering and directionality of associations between critical action and ERI exploration over four time points from college entry through four years of college. Critical action positively predicted ERI exploration over each year of college, and ERI exploration positively predicted critical action in a reciprocal fashion over the same years. These findings underscore theoretical assertions that critical action and ERI are intertwined in Black youths' development and provide insight into how critical action and ERI overlap beyond adolescence.

  PublisherDOI

• How to recruit and retain faculty members of colour in academia

  Nature Reviews Psychology · 2022-08-10 · 6 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Discrimination comes in layers: Dimensions of discrimination and mental health for multiracial people.

  Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology · 2021-05-03 · 56 citations

  article

  OBJECTIVES: The current study examines how general racial discrimination, discrimination from family, and racial identity invalidation impact Multiracial1 people's mental health. METHODS: Multiracial participants (n = 464) completed online surveys that assessed their mental health and experiences of various dimensions of discrimination. RESULTS: At the bivariate level, all dimensions of discrimination related to negative mental health outcomes. Results of path analysis with discrimination dimensions entered simultaneously as predictor variables indicated that discrimination from family, behavioral invalidation, and phenotype invalidation predicted maladjustment, whereas general racial discrimination did not. Latent classes were constructed to represent various profiles of discriminatory experiences. Low discrimination (n = 212), high discrimination (n = 49), racial identity invalidation (n = 154), and general-familial discrimination (n = 58) classes arose. The low discrimination class reported the best mental health outcomes, whereas the high discrimination class reported the worst mental health outcomes; the racial identity invalidation and general-familial discrimination classes reported similar mental health outcomes that fell in between the low and high discrimination classes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight how the combination of racial discrimination dimensions influence Multiracial people's mental health and emphasize the need to address unique forms of discrimination specific to Multiracial people. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Elan C. Hope

  North Carolina State University

  9 shared

• Micere Keels

  University of Chicago

  6 shared

• Joanna L. Williams

  4 shared

• Tiani R. Perkins

  University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

  4 shared

• Margaret T. Hicken

  University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

  4 shared

• James S. Jackson

  University of Manchester

  4 shared

• Patrick H. Tolan

  University of Virginia

  3 shared

• Richard Smith

  Committee on Climate Change

  2 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Educational Psychology: Applied Developmental Science

  University of Virginia

  2013