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TTRB Black Women's Pleasure Dis.pdf (4.72 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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"So Euphoric, It's Indescribable": A Black Feminist Exploration of Pleasure as a Liberatory Practice

Brown, Treajané T. R.
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5900-5584
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1647800112954614

Abstract Details

2022, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Counseling Psychology.
The (mis)application of mainstream psychological theories and methods of analysis further perpetuates oppression (specifically misogynoir) while suppressing the unique and diverse experiences of Black women. This study implemented a methodological framework rooted in Black feminist, phenomenological, and anti-oppressive theories to more holistically explore the meaning of pleasure in Black women's lives. Pleasure was defined and positioned as a restorative strategy in participants’ liberation efforts, using psychopolitical well-being as a grounding construct. Results reveal personal, relational, collective, and multi-spherical pleasure practices that helped participants challenge oppressive socialization, divest energy from oppressive industries, and receive relief from suffering. Findings hold implications for social justice oriented research, intervention, and policy development intended to facilitate well-being among Black women. Further, results provide rationale for future pleasure-centered scientific inquiry needed to address the “pleasure deficit” in understandings of Black womanhood. Ultimately, this project intends to strengthen the lens through which professionals understand Black women’s wellness by providing data on what makes them feel whole, alive, and free.
Suzette Speight (Committee Chair)
Toni Bisconti (Committee Member)
Dawn Johnson (Committee Member)
John Queener (Committee Member)
Mary Triece (Committee Member)
232 p.
African Americans; Black Studies; Counseling Psychology; Gender Studies; Mental Health; Occupational Health; Psychotherapy; Public Health
Black Women, Pleasure, Psychopolitical Well-Being, LGBTQIA+, Black Feminist Qualitative Methodology, Intersectionality, Storytelling, Misogynoir, Liberation, Social Justice

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brown, T. T. R. (2022). "So Euphoric, It's Indescribable": A Black Feminist Exploration of Pleasure as a Liberatory Practice [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1647800112954614

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brown, Treajané. "So Euphoric, It's Indescribable": A Black Feminist Exploration of Pleasure as a Liberatory Practice . 2022. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1647800112954614.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brown, Treajané. ""So Euphoric, It's Indescribable": A Black Feminist Exploration of Pleasure as a Liberatory Practice ." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1647800112954614

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1647800112954614
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© 2022, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.