Date

9-2019

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

LaKisha Mearidy-Bell

Keywords

Strong Black Woman, Loneliness, Authenticity, Social Perception, Psychological, Behavioral

Disciplines

Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative was to explore psychological and behavioral outcomes identified by Black women who identify as Strong Black Women (SBW) using grounded theory. The following chapters emphasized the realities of psychological and behavioral responses of SBW as it related to interactions with their social environment. As part of this study, fifteen participants responded to semi-structured open-ended interviews, which was coded based on reoccurring themes, pattern recognition, and content analysis. Results identified prevalent themes specific to this population of strong Black women. The introduction of loneliness as an underexplored psychological theme resulted from participant interviews. Behavioral themes introduced included defending SBW through means of education and communication. Additional themes based on social perception include socially derived perception as inadequate and authenticity. This study also provides a view of spiritual and religious beliefs used as strength and SBW used within a cultural context. In conclusion, these reported psychological and behavioral responses to social perceptions inform society and the therapeutic community of the dynamic experiences of SBW.

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