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DrakefordN_DissertationFinal.pdf (1.05 MB)

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Strong Black Woman: An exploration of coping, suppression, and psychological distress

Drakeford, Naomi M
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1483825910330624

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Counseling Psychology.
The Strong Black Woman (SBW) stereotype represents a potentially salient cultural and historically oppressive influence on Black women’s mental health. Strong Black Woman has been defined as the cultural prescription for Black women to embody strength internally and to express strength externally (Abrams, Maxwell, Pope, & Belgrave, 2014; Beauboeuf-Lafontant, 2009). The present study examined the mental health implications of internalizing the SBW stereotype. Specifically, the relationships between the SBW stereotype, suppression, psychological distress, and Africultural coping were examined in a community sample of 289 Black women. The results indicated that suppression mediated the positive relationship between the SBW stereotype and depression and anxiety, but did not mediate the relationship between the SBW stereotype and stress. Moderated mediation analyses found that the indirect effect of the SBW stereotype on depression and anxiety through suppression was dependent upon spiritual-centered coping. Notably, utilizing more spiritual-centered coping strategies lessened the SBW stereotype’s relation to anxiety and depression for participants. Collective coping was not found to be a significant moderator in the moderated mediation analyses. Overall, the results provide empirical support for negative outcomes associated with adhering to the SBW stereotype. The study includes implications for SBW ideology, suggestions for culturally relevant interventions to prevent and treat mental health issues in Black women, and directions for future research.
Suzette Speight, PhD (Advisor)
John Queener, PhD (Committee Member)
Amber Hewitt, PhD (Committee Member)
Ingrid Weigold, PhD (Committee Member)
Toni Bisconti, PhD (Committee Member)
Counseling Psychology
Strong Black Woman; coping; suppression; psychological distress

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Drakeford, N. M. (2017). Strong Black Woman: An exploration of coping, suppression, and psychological distress [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1483825910330624

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Drakeford, Naomi. Strong Black Woman: An exploration of coping, suppression, and psychological distress. 2017. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1483825910330624.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Drakeford, Naomi. "Strong Black Woman: An exploration of coping, suppression, and psychological distress." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1483825910330624

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1483825910330624
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.