Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Possttraumatic Growth in Black Women: An Investigation of the Role of Trauma Type, Strong Black Woman Ideology, and Emotion Regulation

Baker, Brittany D

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Psychology-Counseling.
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a line of research which suggests that some individuals can thrive after trauma. Experiences of growth after trauma can lead to more meaningful relationships, a better sense of self, and a changed philosophy of life (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Despite decades of research, the PTG literature is inconclusive regarding how different variables affect the presence of growth. Two particular variables that have been understudied are the role of trauma type and emotion regulation in PTG outcomes. In addition, PTG has yet to be specifically studied within a Black female sample and has not included culturally specific variables (i.e., Strong Black Woman (SBW) Ideology). In the current study, data were collected from a total of 170 Black women aged 18 and older. Analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between SBW ideology and PTG (r(170)=.24, p<.001). SBW ideology was also found to be positively correlated with emotion regulation, in that the stronger one’s adherence to SBW ideology, the more difficulty one had with successful emotion regulation (r(170)=.52, p<.01). Contrary to prediction, emotion regulation did not emerge as a mediator in the relationship between SBW ideology and PTG (b=-.81, CI= [-4.14, 2.65]). Furthermore, trauma type did not emerge as a significant moderator in the previously proposed mediated model. Results add support to the literature that suggests SBW ideology can be both protective and harmful for Black women, in that it is related to both increased PTG and decreased successful emotion regulation. The current study also suggests the importance for future research to conceptualize and study PTG and trauma through a cultural lens.
Dawn Johnson, PhD (Advisor)
Suzette Speight, PhD (Committee Member)
John Queener, PhD (Committee Member)
Charles Waehler, PhD (Committee Member)
Robert Peralta, PhD (Committee Member)
170 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Baker, B. D. (2017). Possttraumatic Growth in Black Women: An Investigation of the Role of Trauma Type, Strong Black Woman Ideology, and Emotion Regulation [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1493490524171178

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Baker, Brittany. Possttraumatic Growth in Black Women: An Investigation of the Role of Trauma Type, Strong Black Woman Ideology, and Emotion Regulation. 2017. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1493490524171178.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Baker, Brittany. "Possttraumatic Growth in Black Women: An Investigation of the Role of Trauma Type, Strong Black Woman Ideology, and Emotion Regulation." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1493490524171178

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)