Date
7-22-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Laura Rolen
Keywords
African American Female Superintendents, Educational Leadership, Mental Health, Superintendent Stress, Intersectionality, Race and Gender
Disciplines
Education | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Bell, Kamika Lynette, "Superintendent Stress and Mental Health: The Case of African American Female Superintendents in the United States" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7242.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7242
Abstract
This study investigated the challenges faced by African American female K–12 school superintendents in the United States, with a particular focus on work-related stress and mental health. The unique challenges encountered by African American women in leadership positions include work stressors, racial and societal barriers, and gender discrimination. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain a deeper understanding of the work-related stress and mental health experiences of African American female superintendents in K–12 schools. The study was a means to elicit new information from the experiences of African American women regarding experiences of gendered racism and its various manifestations in the workplace. Addressing these issues is essential for promoting equity and ensuring all individuals can achieve their full potential. Twelve themes emerged from the data to answer the research questions: (a) Black women, hidden burdens; (b) the price of leadership; (c) Afrocentric and unapologetic; (d) when leadership tried to break you; (e) the toll of racialized leadership stress; (f) navigating resistance to equity leadership; (g) community and faith; (h) positive outlook and wellness; (i) community-driven equity advocacy; (j) diversity, equity, and inclusion pushback and isolation; (k) community support; and (l) sustaining leadership through self-care and reflection. The findings contribute to the fields of education and leadership by providing insights into establishing more equitable and just workplaces for all individuals. By identifying the challenges African American female superintendents face, the study suggested recommendations for creating supportive work environments that enable them to thrive. It is necessary to acknowledge and address systemic issues in the workplace, particularly those that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Administrators could use this study’s findings to foster a more inclusive and diverse educational system that empowers all individuals to reach their full potential.
