Whitney Mwangi (2023 REACH Award – Rising Champion (presented by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, and Bill Gates)
Thesis title: A multi-case comparative study on the mental health impacts of generational political violence on African youth: a focus on South Sudan, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia.
PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
Year of study: 1
Contact details
- Email: W.Mwangi@sms.ed.ac.uk
PhD supervisors:
Background
Whitney Mwangi is a PhD candidate in Clinical and Health Psychology (Developmental Psychology) at the University of Edinburgh, where her research examines the mental health impacts of generational political violence on African youth through a multi-country comparative study. Drawing on Generational Political Trauma Theory, her work aims to develop evidence-based, policy-relevant frameworks to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support systems in conflict-affected contexts. She brings over a decade of experience in global health advocacy, policy engagement, and strategic communications, contributing to health systems and mental health policy across Africa and beyond. Whitney is also the Founder of the Story Book Africa, a creative social enterprise focused on empowering youth in Africa for their healing, growth and development. She holds an MSc in Global Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, awarded through a Commonwealth Scholarship, and is committed to translating research into practical solutions that advance the mental wellbeing of African youth.
Responsibilities & affiliations
Founder, the Story Book Africa
Communications Specialist, United Nations Geneva Office
Research summary
Mental health impacts of generational political violence on African youth, with a focus on developmental psychology, trauma theory, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict-affected contexts.
Current research interests
Generational Political Trauma Theory (GPTT), youth mental health in conflict and post-conflict settings, MHPSS systems strengthening, culturally responsive and context-specific mental health interventions, and the translation of psychological research into policy and practice in Africa.Past research interests
HIV, tuberculosis and malaria; health systems strengthening; global health partnerships; domestic health financing; pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.Knowledge exchange
Translating research into policy-relevant frameworks and advocacy tools; strengthening links between psychology, public health and policy; contributing to continental and global health agendas; and advancing practical, scalable mental health interventions for African youth through partnerships, communications, and community engagement.