Impact of ‘Strong Black Woman’ Schema Explored
A recent study published in the Psychology of Women Quarterly journal by the American Psychological Association delves into how Black women navigate gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress while considering the influence of the “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) schema and womanist attitudes. For generations, society has portrayed Black women as remarkably resilient, but this portrayal often neglects the emotional and psychological pressures they endure. The SBW schema suggests that Black women should bear heavy burdens without showing signs of struggle, which, while a source of pride for some, can also present psychological challenges.
The study aimed to expand our understanding of how Black women cope with gender and race-based discrimination. It included 185 self-identified Black women in the United States, aged 18 and above. Participants shared their experiences, beliefs, and coping strategies through a questionnaire. The research explored relationships between the SBW schema, womanist attitudes, and coping behaviors, such as “disengaging” by turning to substances.
The findings revealed a nuanced relationship between the SBW schema, womanist attitudes, and coping strategies. While some Black women internalized the SBW schema, potentially suppressing their emotions, womanist attitudes allowed them to contextualize their experiences within a broader societal framework. Black women often coped by seeking self-sufficiency and understanding their experiences in the context of both racism and sexism.
In summary, the study suggests that Black women who strongly identify with the SBW schema may be more prone to coping by “disengaging,” which is associated with increased mental stress. Conversely, those with womanist attitudes tend to cope by advocating for education on these issues. However, it’s important to note that the study relies on correlational data and self-reported questionnaires, leaving room for individual interpretation and recall bias.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Psypost
