Date
11-13-2025
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Tanisha N. Sapp
Keywords
intergenerational trauma, Nigrescence, Black males, identity development, mental health, post-traumatic slave syndrome
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Tabb, Richard N., "Black Men’s Experiences of Intergenerational Trauma and Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7636.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7636
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored how Black men exposed to intergenerational trauma describe their experiences of identity development. Grounded in Vivian Rakoff’s Intergenerational Trauma Theory and William Cross’s Nigrescence Theory, the study employed a transcendental phenomenological design to examine how trauma is transmitted across generations and its implications for Black male identity. This research addresses a critical gap in the mental health field, particularly regarding the historical roots of trauma and their impact on contemporary counseling practices. Findings revealed that the enduring legacy of historical trauma rooted in slavery, systemic racism, and ongoing forms of oppression continues to profoundly shape Black male identity. Participants described inherited trauma as “generational curses,” stemming from ancestral experiences of dehumanization and emasculation. Present-day encounters with systemic racism, including aggressive policing and racial profiling, were identified as ongoing sources of trauma that affect emotional regulation, self-perception, and feelings of safety. A recurring theme was the suppression of emotional expression among Black men, perceived as necessary for survival and masculinity. This emotional restraint often led to internalized anger and difficulty accessing the full range of human emotion. This study deepens the understanding of intergenerational trauma's impact on Black male identity development and emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive mental health practices. The findings call for continued research, policy reform, and broader societal efforts to support the well-being of Black men.
