Black Joy: A Call for Prioritizing Ideal Outcomes Among Historically Stigmatized Populations

Abstract

Based on the Biopsychosocial Model of Racism and the Conservation of Resources Theory, this paper offers and encourages an approach to work on racism against stigmatized populations that centers idealized outcomes. More specifically, this work outlines ideas and justifications for a focus in research, policy, and intervention on Black employees’ ideal positive outcomes, such as joy, thriving, flourishing, flow, vigor, and fun. This encourages a shift from deficit and return-to-baseline goals to posttraumatic change and resource protection for gains perspectives. Using Goal Setting Theory and the Stigma-conscious Framework on Resilience, this paper offers actionable recommendations for researchers and organizations to strategically address current disparities and foster a better future for employees.