Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)

Chair

Sarah Walsh

Keywords

Anxiety, Burnout, Superwoman-Syndrome, Depression, Self-Care

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychiatry and Psychology

Abstract

There is an untold narrative regarding the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This leaves a gap in researchers understanding systemic, cultural, and social factors that shape mental health outcomes in a unique way. There is also a deeper need for exploration of resiliency and coping skills strategies utilized by African American women in the behavioral health field, as well as how behaviors such as discrimination, workplace dynamics, and microaggression impact the overall psyche. By addressing these gaps, a more thorough understanding of the long-term psychological effect can be addressed, and these women can receive support mechanisms and interventions that are tailored more toward their needs. These women may face challenges that may differ from males in general or white female Behavioral health providers, which are sometimes overlooked. Studies in the past often focused on either gender or race, failing to explore dimensional intersection and influences of psychological outcomes. The goal is identifying narratives that shape the mindset of lack of self-care for African American women in the behavioral health field, thus promoting depression and anxiety, and possibly decrease the rate of early retirement and career changes in the United States.

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