Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Rachel L Piferi

Keywords

Black female supervisees, cross-racial clinical supervision, gendered racial microaggressions, coping responses, cultural responsiveness

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Clinical supervision between White supervisors and Black female supervisees occurs within contexts where power and racial dynamics are salient. Existing research suggests that Black female supervisees are at increased risk of experiencing gendered racial microaggressions due to their marginalized identities; however, limited research has examined how these intersectional stressors are navigated within cross-racial supervision. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of Black female supervisees in cross-racial supervisory dyads, with a focus on how they perceive and navigate gendered racial microaggressions and how these experiences impact psychological well-being, the supervisory working alliance, and professional development. Using the Stress Process Model and Intersectionality Theory as theoretical frameworks, this study employed a transcendental phenomenological design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes were developed from the data: Context Matters; Subtle, Yet Clearly Felt; Weighing the Risks; Navigating the Moment; and Things Shifted After That. Findings indicate that structural and cultural influences, operating through the supervisory context, shape the conditions under which gendered racial microaggressions are experienced. Although often subtle, these race- and gender-based stressors are perceived as psychologically impactful, particularly as participants weigh the risks of responding, highlighting the importance of culturally responsive supervision.

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