No abstract

Using a multidimensional understanding of race, the present study investigated whether racial worldview informs the initiation of discussions of race within interracial relationships. Two hundred three individuals in interracial relationships completed measures to assess their perceptions of the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional implications of race and ethnicity and indicated whether they discussed race with their romantic partner. Responses to open-ended questions were coded using consensual qualitative research methods. Using K-means cluster analysis, participants were grouped based on racial worldview and differences in the prevalence of themes were tested. Findings revealed differences in whether race was discussed and the content of the discussion (e.g., differences in culture, intrarelationship difficulties, or institutional discrimination) by worldview. Individuals' multifaceted understanding of race impacts their discussion of race within their relationship. Racial worldview is a promising concept for a proximal assessment of the influence of race in interracial relationships and interactions across race more broadly.

Black women must navigate a tumultuous sociopolitical terrain while simultaneously managing their psychological health. Experiences of gendered racism increase vulnerability to psychological distress for Black women. Gendered racial microaggressions, a specific type of microaggression, account for the intricate ways racism and sexism intersect. The association between experiences of gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress was investigated among 201 Black female-identified undergraduate and graduate students attending a Historically Black College or University. Whether psychosocial resources (i.e., resilience, social support, mastery, self-esteem) moderated the linkage between gendered racial microaggressions and traumatic stress was also examined. Gendered racial microaggressions were positively associated with traumatic stress. The microaggression Assumptions of Beauty and Sexual Objectification was the most strongly associated with traumatic stress, followed by Angry Black Woman. Resilience and mastery were protective factors, reducing the influence of gendered racial microaggressions on traumatic stress. In addition, high levels of social support reduced the impact of Assumptions of Beauty and Sexual Objectification on traumatic stress. To foster healing and posttraumatic growth for Black women, psychologists must decolonize their understanding and treatment of mental illness. Practice and research implications are discussed.

The pandemic in 2020 commenced a particularly turbulent era of racial unrest, social injustice, and violence toward Black women. Drawing from Black feminist and intersectionality theories, this qualitative inquiry explored Black women’s experiences of racism and sexism during the racial pandemic. Two hundred forty-one Black women shared their narratives and reflections. The analysis revealed two major themes: 1) racialized violence and harassment (e.g., stereotypes, dominance) and 2) their psychological consequences (e.g., anxiety, depression, racial trauma). Clinical implications are offered to support and empower Black women.