Trauma, Help-Seeking, and the Strong Black Woman

Abstract

Research suggests when confronted with hardship, Black women in the United States seek help less than other. This finding may be explained by the cultural stereotype of the Strong Black Woman (SBW). SBW consists of three factors: Mask of Strength, Self-Reliance/Strength, and Caretaking. The current study examined the connection between self-endorsement of SBW and help-seeking behavior and intention, following a traumatic event for Black college women. The SBW full scale was not significantly related to actual help-seeking or intention to seek help. However, post-hoc analyses indicated the three SBW subscales had both positive and negative effects. Greater endorsement of the Caretaking and Self-Reliance subscales positively predicted actual help-seeking and formal actual help-seeking, respectively. However, greater endorsement of the Mask of Strength subscale predicted less help-seeking and fewer intentions to seek help. The findings indicated a more nuanced approach may be needed when studying SBW or working in clinical settings. It may be helpful to bolster aspects of the stereotype, such as the desire to be a good caretaker, while redefining other aspects, such as emotional invulnerability.

Narratives of Clinicians Navigating Black Women’s Trauma in Therapy

“…This study examines the narratives of clinicians treating Black women with trauma and reveals common themes found in the thinking, behavioral, emotional, and environmental patterns of their clients. An inability to acknowledge and express trauma, perfectionism, and lack of boundaries are the common themes found in the study and are exemplified by the Superwoman Schema, which is prevalent in this Black community (Nicole et al, 2023;Parks et al, 2024;Smith, 2022). In addition to capturing the common themes of the clients, this study analyzes the common themes of the treatment strategies used by clinicians.…”