Margaret Morgan Lawrence

Margaret Morgan Lawrence (August 10, 1914 – December 4, 2019) was an American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst known for her significant contributions to child psychiatry. She was one of the first African-American women to become a psychoanalyst in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Morgan Lawrence was born in New York City to parents who were part of the Great Migration from the South. She attended Cornell University for her undergraduate studies, where she faced significant racial discrimination. Despite these challenges, she graduated in 1936 and went on to attend Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, becoming the third African-American woman to graduate from the institution in 1940.

Career

Lawrence began her career at Harlem Hospital, where she worked in the pediatrics department. She later moved to the New York Psychiatric Institute, where she focused on child psychiatry. Her work primarily involved studying the emotional development of children, particularly those from minority backgrounds. She also served as the director of the Northside Center for Child Development.

Lawrence's research has been instrumental in understanding the psychological development of children and the impact of racial and socioeconomic factors on mental health. Her work has also contributed to the development of culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches.

Legacy

Margaret Morgan Lawrence's pioneering work in child psychiatry has had a lasting impact on the field. Her research has informed current understanding of child development and mental health, particularly in relation to racial and socioeconomic disparities. She has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to psychiatry and her efforts to promote diversity within the field.

See Also

• History of Psychiatry
• African Americans in Medicine
• Child Psychiatry