THE “STRONG BLACK WOMAN:

According to the Psychology of Women Journal, for African American Women the “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) trope is a mantra that has been popularized and is so embedded in U.S. culture, specifically, African American Culture, that it is seldom realized how great an impact it has on the mental and emotional well-being of the African American Woman, (2000). The “Super Woman Schema” (SWS) is the obligation to convey strength, be vigilant and watchful of others over self-care, (National Institutes of Health, 2024).According to the Psychology of Women Journal, for African American Women the “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) trope is a mantra that has been popularized and is so embedded in U.S. culture, specifically, African American Culture, that it is seldom realized how great an impact it has on the mental and emotional well-being of the African American Woman, (2000). The “Super Woman Schema” (SWS) is the obligation to convey strength, be vigilant and watchful of others over self-care, (National Institutes of Health, 2024).

SBW, SWS & THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS:

*Surveyed – 48 college educated women; Age: 18-45; Self identified as African American/Black. Equally divided into eight focus groups. Meeting from December 2006-June 2007.

FOUR MAIN THEMES:

• COLLECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
• CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF TAKING ON THE ROLE
• PERCIEVED LIABILITIES
• PERCIEVED BENEFITS

COLLECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Suppressing emotions
• Prioritizing caregiving over self-care
• Resisting vulnerability
• Resisting dependence
• Projecting or Manifesting Strength
• Succeeding despite limited resources

TAKING ON THE ROLE SBW, SWS:

• Historical legacy of racial or gender stereotyping/oppression (i.e. Mammy character)
• Lessons from foremothers
•  Past history of disappointment, mistreatment or abuse
•  Spiritual Values

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

•  Highly Educated
• Career Driven Resilient
• Creative
• Preservation of self/self-survival Resourceful aka “Find a way” Outlook
• Preservation of the African American Family
• Preservation of African American Community

CURATE A MENTAL WELLNESS PLAN:

The World Health Organization defines Mental Wellness as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community.”

If your wellness is off balance, curating a “Mental Wellness Plan” can assist with bringing yourself back to center.

• Self-Care is NOT self-ish. Being aware and tending to your mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, personal, financial and professional needs increases the likelihood of personal mental wellness .
• Sleep Hygiene – Getting enough sleep impacts behavior, mood, physical and medical health.
• Get Physical-30-minutes of movement can decrease depressive and/or anxious symptoms.
• Balanced Eating – Emotions can impact when, where, how and what we eat. Being aware of your mental state while eating – it may impact both emotional and physical health
• Something New – Engage in an activity that sparks YOUR interest, just because