Joslyn Armstrong

Why FSU?

I did my undergrad at the University of Florida, so I am originally and foremost, a Gator. However, I came to FSU because its Marriage and Family Therapy program is highly reputable. In fact, it’s one of the top programs in the country in my field. Whenever I tell someone in my field that I’ll graduate from FSU, they always tell me that it’s a great program and a very competitive one that prepares you for academia post-graduation. I’m also from Florida, so it’s good to be home, especially in a graduate degree when being around friends and family is important for a network of support.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I am a first-generation college student, so both of my parents do not have a college education. From a very young age, they promoted higher education to me. Originally, I was studying veterinary medicine. I took a parenting class with a professor who actually wasn’t in marriage and family therapy at all and regretted it. He was very personable, and his students loved him, and that’s what I want to be for students in the future. I want to be able to provide a support system for them and promote healthy relationships.

Importance and impact of research

I’m most passionate about working with underserved and underrepresented populations, so I’m currently focusing my research on African American fatherhood and father and child outcomes. I’ve done a couple of research studies looking at African American experiences, solely focusing on African American men and fathers. Another aspect involves looking at sexuality, and my interest is sexual behaviors and communication and how those change throughout the lives of those experiencing them. Specifically, my research is on older adults’ sexuality and sexual behaviors and how they look in couples and relationships.

One of the main projects I was involved in was a qualitative study in which I asked African American fathers about their experiences with their children, how they learned about fatherhood from male figures and role models in their lives, and how they balanced work and family. I also asked them if they’ve had any experience with discrimination and how that impacted their mental health, their thoughts on seeking mental health services and some of the barriers to that, and their thoughts on how Black men and fathers are portrayed in the media and how that influences their fathering. I want to use the results from this study and others like it to change the narrative about African American men, women, and families. There is a multi-dimensionality that comes with fathering, and the portrayal of Black men and women in society doesn’t necessarily align with the reality of normal people. A follow-up study that I’m considering would involve interviewing Black men about their experiences with intimacy and who taught them how to love, what love looks like, how you know if you’ve achieved it, how do you show it, and those sorts of questions. 

Career aspirations

Since pursuing my undergraduate degree, I have wanted to become a professor. I am interested in teaching at a university, having the ability to mentor students, and having the resources to do research related to African American families.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am proud of being a recipient of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's Minority Fellowship!

Advice for prospective graduate students

This process is difficult, that’s why there are so few people who actually pursue a doctoral degree, especially among people of color. I would always say that if it’s something you really want, you have to go after it. Life won’t be worth living if you’re not going to pursue something you want or reach that goal. It’s going to be difficult, you’re going to struggle, there will be challenging times, but support comes when you seek it out. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and ask them for advice.